Shore Dive Report: Old Rockwell Insane Asylum Coal Docks (KPH Dive)

Location & Access

•Entry: Access from the side with a rocky slope leading to the water. Functional dock ladders simplify entry and exit.

•Depth: Average depth of 25 feet (7.6 meters) near the dock; depth increases further out towards the lake.

Underwater Features & Attractions

Site Overview

•Bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg Composition:

•Sandy bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg near the dock.

•Transitions to clay and silt further into the lake.

•Artifacts:

•Constant wave action reveals artifacts such as bottles, clay pipes, and remnants of the site’s historical use.

•Historical context includes the site’s use as a coal dock for the nearby hospital, which engaged in waste-burning practices before the Clean Water Act.

Notable Features:

1.Water Pipe:

•Large intact water pipe leads to submerged cribs.

•Long swim to reach the cribs with minimal sights en route.

2.Scooter Lines:

•Midway through the dive, a line branches to a sign.

•The line connects to other dive sites:

•PC Barge

•WATERLILY

•Deep Hole: Intended scuttling location for the WATERLILY, which was missed.

3.Historical Hazards:

•Old sharp objects may still be present underwater due to waste disposal practices of the past. Exercise caution to avoid injuries.

Marine Life

•Fish Species:

•Bass

•Sunfish

•Carp

•Sheephead

•Gar Pike

The site hosts a thriving underwater ecosystem, offering divers opportunities to observe and photograph various species in their natural habitat.

Diving Tips

•Safety:

•Be cautious of sharp objects and debris related to the site’s historical use.

•Watch for currents and maintain awareness of underwater hazards.

•Visibility:

•Conditions may vary, with better Visibility closer to the dock and reduced clarity in deeper or silt-heavy areas.

•Equipment:

•A scooter is recommended for those planning to explore the extended features like the cribs or neighboring dive sites.

•Artifacts:

•Removal of artifacts is generally discouraged or prohibited. Always adhere to local preservation and diving laws.

Conclusion

The Old Rockwell Insane Asylum Coal Docks (KPH Dive) offers a unique mix of history, underwater exploration, and marine biodiversity. Divers can uncover glimpses of the past while exploring wreckage and artifacts and enjoying the vibrant aquatic life. While the site requires careful navigation due to potential hazards, it remains an intriguing dive destination for history enthusiasts and marine explorers alike.

Tags: #ShoreDive #GreatLakes #KPHDive #OldRockwellCoalDocks #UnderwaterHistory #MarineLife