Papoose

North Carolina, United States

Depth

39m

Visibility

15m - 45m

Entry

Boat

Experience Level

Advanced

Papoose

North Carolina, United States

Depth

39m

Visibility

15m - 45m

Entry

Boat

Experience Level

Advanced

About Papoose

The Papoose is a large wreck which sits on the bottom intact and virtually upside down. At one time, back in the 1960's, the wreck was sitting on its port side, but over the years the wreck has rolled, cru shing the superstructure under the weight of the hull. Today it resembles a large water melon, cracked open in several places. The highest part of the wreck is in the stern rudder area which rises some 30 feet off of the bottom. The propellor was present until the mid-1970s when it was blasted off by salvagers. The hull section steps down from there in several large sections, each lower than the other, until you come to the bow. The Papoose can be penetrated at several points. It is quite eerie to see boi lers and engines parts suspended above you, but when you look down, you see several of those same items laying crushed on the ocean floor. Diver beware!

Papoose Dive Info

Terrain & Features

Wreck

Entry Type

Boat

Max Depth

39m

Visibility Range

15m – 45m

Experience Level

Advanced

Best Gas Mix

21% – 29%

O₂

CNS Load (20 min)

14% at 37m / 30%

O₂

Multi-Level Dive Planner

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Marine Life

Various

Weather Conditions

Water temperature (℃)

Dive Operators near Papoose

Olympus Dive Center
65.68km

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Location

Dive Site Hazards

Deceptive Entry Openings — Openings may become restrictive inside due to angle, collapse, or corrosion.
Surge-Induced Internal Silt Shift — Internal surge can move silt and debris without direct contact.
Partial Overhead Environment — Many wrecks limit direct ascent even without full penetration.

Fine Rust Particle Silt-Out — Disturbed rust particles can rapidly reduce visibility.

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