185 Ashkabad Dive

Ashkhabad was built during World War I as a standard cargo ship. In April 1942, Ashkhabad set sail to Cuba from New York, escorted by British trawler, HMT Lady Elsa. Ashkhabad and Elsa ran a zigzag course in an effort to avoid U-boat attacks. Unfortunately, this tactic did not work.
Traveling under the cover of darkness on April 30, 1942, the Ashkhabad passed southeast of Cape Lookout, North Carolina. Subsequently, a U-402 fired a single torpedo and hit the ship. The tanker sank in shallow water by its stern.
Today, the Ashkhabad sits in 60 feet of water about 17 miles from Cape Lookout, North Carolina. The wreck lies in the warm water of the Gulf Stream, making it a popular site for diving. With an abundance of marine life, including many tropical fish, the Ashkhabad is also often home to loggerhead sea turtles.