Popularly known as “The Cozumel Wreck”, the Felipe Xicotencatl or C-53 is perhaps one of the most popular wrecks and dive site in Mexico. The Felipe Xicotencatl was a US Built Admirable-Class minesweeper formerly known as the USS Scuffle built in 1944 for the Navy during World War II.
In 1962 she was decommissioned and sold to the Mexican Navy, and was renamed ARM General Felipe Xicoténcatl (C53) where she patrolled the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea serving search and rescue missions and patrolling for illegal arms and drug trafficking. After 55 years of service the ship was finally decommissioned in 1999 and donated to the Cozumel underwater park and sunk in 1999 in 82’ of water to be turned into an artificial reef .
The C-53 is a perfect Divers wreck, as the ship was scrubbed of all harmful and non biodegradable material, and large openings were cut into the decks, hull and corridors to allow divers easy access into the interiors. The Ship itself is 154 feet (56m) long, 33 feet (10m) wide and was sunk to land perfectly upright resting on the seabed in 80 feet (24m) of water. The superstructure of the ship rises to 40feet (12m) from the seabed allowing divers to reach the superstructure of the wreck by descending just 20 feet from the surface. The wreck itself was chained to the sandy seabed to prevent the wreck from shifting incase of storms or hurricanes.
The C-53 is an easy to explore wreck with large openings to penetrate, however the site is known to have the occasional strong current, often making it sometimes a bit challenging to navigate. Still it is known as a beginners wreck, and also makes a great dive for more experienced wreck divers. The wreck itself even after 11 years since being sunk has a relatively clean exterior possibly owing to the currents, however has great variety of marine life and sponges beginning to thrive on it. Large schools of Barracuda frequent the site, Grouper, eel and a wide variety of other reef fish can also be spotted here.
Featured above 3D C-53 Felipe Xicotenabtl – Cozumel Mexico, Waterproof Dive Site Card available at Leisurepro.com
The interiors of the C-53 wreck are relatively intact, and one can visit several interesting sections of the ship. The Engine rooms are an interesting visit, and contain the massive engines still intact. One can visit the Galley, the Officers Quarters, the head and the radio room. It is advisable to use a detailed wreck guide or a waterproof dive site card, to help navigate your way around the wreck.
Photos from flickr by tslane888
Now Travel to your favorite Dive Destinations and plan your Scuba Holidays with LeisurePro.com
