Cozumel is famous because of the beauty of its reefs. This paradise is full of marine life and opportunities for diving. However, the waters surrounding the Mayan island keep many other treasures hidden just waiting to be discovered. One of them is a Shipwreck in Chankanaab Cozumel. Felipe Xicoténcatl C-53 is the name of this wreck and believe us: Diving it during your next visit is worth it. Keep reading and discover it.
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October 29, 2019Felipe Xicoténcatl C-53 Is The Shipwreck In Chankanaab Cozumel
The shipwreck in Chankanaab Cozumel is one of the few wrecks that can be visited in the island’s waters. The main explanation for this mystery is that, although different boats have sunk near Cozumel, they did at depths that are inaccessible for divers or they disappeared whipped away by tropical currents and storms. However, Felipe Xicotencatl C-53 does maintain a great appeal that make it worthy of a dive.
This wreck lies at 24 meters / 78 feet deep in the park of Chankanaab Cozumel. The C-53 is 12 meters / 40 feet high, 56 meters / 184 feet long, and 10 meters / 33 feet wide. But the most interesting thing about it is that it is a submerged testimony of history.
The Shipwreck In Chankanaab Cozumel Was A Ship That Saved Lives For Two Countries.
In 1943 the USS Scuffle was made in Tampa. Its goal was to serve as a minesweeper during the Second World War. Our ship fought in the Pacific and participated in important military operations. Even the USS Scuffle received the five battle stars for its service at sea. In 1946 when the war was over, it was discharged from the US Navy.
The Mexican Navy bought the minesweeper in 1962 to convert it into an Admiral-class gunboat. From this moment its new name will be Felipe Xicotancatl C-53. The wreck, which is known currently as the shipwreck in Chankanaab Cozumel, was patrolling the Gulf of Mexico for 37 years. During that time, it fought against the illegal drugs and weapons smuggling, and it participated in rescue missions as well.
When it was finally decommissioned in 1999, the Felipe Xicotancatl C-53 had still to fulfill one more mission: To join the other Cozumel underwater treasures to the delight of divers. On June 5th, 2000, it began its new task, this time, on the Caribbean Sea seabed.
Chankanaab Park was the place chosen for its sinking due to its easy access to divers and its great sand barrier. There, the ship would not harm the beautiful corals for which Cozumel is famous. Of course, the boat was conditioned for diving and risks such as doors, cables, pipes, etc. were eliminated.
Scuba diving Diving Felipe Xicotancatl C-53: The Shipwreck in Chankanaab Cozumel
The briefing is always important. Even more, when we are going to make a dive to visit the shipwreck in Chankanaab Cozumel. There are two reasons for that:
- Observing responsible wreck diving practices
- The shipwreck in Chankanaab Cozumel peculiarities.
To enjoy this dive, it is not necessary to have technical diving skills. However, having the Advanced Openwater Course is very advisable. Although this is a diving spot adapted to enjoy this sport with all security guarantees, scuba diving a wreck requires good buoyancy control. If you want, you can improve your skills with Dressel Divers performing such PADI specialties as “Wreck Diver”, “Drift Diving” or “Peak Performance Buoyancy”.
The Felipe Xicotencatl C53 is located in Chankanaab park. To get to the diving spot, you will do a short tour on board of one of Dressel Divers’ boats. This fact is very convenient because they depart from the pier in front of the dive shop.
As soon as the boat reaches the diving spot, you will already be able to distinguish the shipwreck shape on the ocean floor of Chankanaab Cozumel. So, while you will be descending, you will be able to see almost the entire shipwreck’s deck. The experience is worth it just for that but do not forget the strength of the current. When the divers will be approaching the sunken ship, the current will decrease. Therefore, it will facilitate the exploration of it.
Of course, the C-53 can be visited both outside and through the numerous swim-throughs or inside overhead areas with easy open access to the surface.
As the shipwreck in Chankanaab Cozumel has already been under the water for 15 years, so marine life colonizes its recesses. As a result, not only is this wreck a true historical testimony, but also a flourishing artificial reef blooming with life.
Do you need more reasons to come to visit the shipwreck in Chankanaab Cozumel? CONTACT US and we will give them to you.
