Top 3 Dive Routes on HMCS Yukon (263) in San Diego's Wreck Alley
1. Exterior
The first time you dive the Yukon you'll likely be diving the exterior. You'll find that part of the superstructure has collapsed but there's still a lot to see. You can visit the forward or aft guns, find the dolphin cutouts on the bow of the ship or locate the mortar well near the stern from which anti-submarine mortars were launched.
2. Burma Road ( Deck 3)
Burma road is the passageway that runs almost the entire length of the ship. People often enter at the dolphin cutouts in the bow through a narrow slightly confusing initial section before dropping down to deck 3 and continuing to exit at the mortar well just before the stern. Remember to dive within your training.
3. Stern to Engine Room (Deck 4)
This route begins at the stern through a large cutout and ends in the Engine Room. The engine is located midship but it's not possible to continue forward along deck 4 from this point. Divers usually exit the ship at this point but there's also an option to follow a cutout up to deck 3 and continue down Burma Road. Remember to dive within your training.
HMCS Yukon OverviewAt least 5 deaths have occurred on/in the Yukon wreck dive. Remember to dive within your limits/training. Consider hiring a guide your first time, leave the navigation to them and enjoy the sights.
Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Yukon (DDE 263), is a Canadian destroyer measuring 366' long and 40' wide sits in about 100' of water. It was intentionally sunk in July 2000 to create an artificial reef in San Diego's Wreck Alley. Spearheaded by Dick Long of DUI, this remarkable dive site stands as a testament to his vision. Featuring six decks, the Yukon offers extensive interior spaces to explore, matched by it's intriguing exterior. Delving into it's depths unveils a journey through history, as well as a vibrant marine ecosystem that has taken root. Dives the Yukon can be cold, confusing, deep, dark and surgy. Hiring a qualified guide can make your first time on the wreck more enjoyable. If properly trained in wreck penetration hiring a guide will help to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. As you navigate through the intricate passageways and exterior features, you'll uncover the layers of this sunken marvel, a fusion of maritime history and marine life that pays tribute to the depths. July through October are the best months to dive the ship as you'll have the best visibility this time of year. Maps: Slideshow: Thanks Steve at HOS |
Yukon Promo VideosPhoto Credit: Dean Oliver |
Yukon ExteriorNormally, there are 4 mooring lines attached to the ship, typically located on the bow, forward cannon, aft cannon, and the stern, though their positions may vary over time.
From bow to stern, notable features include Dolphin cutouts on each side of the bow followed by a brief featureless section before finally reaching the forward cannon. Just beyond the cannon you'll find the bridge with can be identified by its multiple windows. You'll often find an American flag here which was placed to honors a diver that passed away on the wreck. Further along is a collapsed superstructure which once held the conning tower and lookout points, which held antennas and satellite dishes. The sonar room area of deck one also collapsed and slid off the ship into the sand. Continuing, you'll encounter the weapons workshop followed by the aft cannons and the mortar well which resembles a large swimming pool, which used to house mortar tubes for launching anti-submarine mortars. Finally, you'll reach the stern—the ship's rear. The ship rests on its port side, making it crucial to understand your orientation. To maintain your bearing, identify the bow, forward gun, bridge with its multiple windows, collapsed section, weapons workshop, aft cannon, mortar well, and stern. To determine your direction you're heading (toward the bow or stern), remember that the ship on your left indicates you're heading toward the stern, while on your right signifies heading toward the bow. This logic applies when diving along the deck but not when diving along the starboard side or the ship's underside. Exterior Dive Video:
The following video is a tour of Yukon from front to back and can be used as an aid to familiarize yourself with the ship. The video starts at the bow and runs to the stern then returns to the bow. It concludes with an ascent along a mooring line attached to the Bridge. Let me know if you'd rather have a narrated video where I talk through my thought process during the dive. I suggest you watch this video in conjunction with Brett's Photogrammetry model. His model provides an overview of the ship while the video gives you a divers perspective. As you watch the video memorize the following reference points to help navigate during your dive: Bow, Forward Cannon, Bridge, Knocked Down Section, Workshop, Aft Cannon, Mortar Well and Stern----Although We didn't make it to the stern in this video, its just a few feet farther but we had to turn back, I'll add it in the next version. |
Prominent Features, Bow to SternSource: wreckedinmyrevo.com
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Burma Road (Deck 3)Join us for an unforgettable scuba through the HMCS Yukon, where we'll explore nearly the entire length of the ship, from the bow to the stern, venturing through deck 3, famously known as Burma Road. We begin by entering the ship on deck 2, through the distinctive dolphin cutouts at the bow. From there, we'll continue for about 10 yards before make a quick descent through a cutout to reach deck 3. Eventually we exit the ship at the mortar well, located near the stern.
While navigating this section of the shipwreck, you'll encounter seven strategically placed cutouts that lead to the surface, allowing natural light to penetrate the depths of the vessel. Please note that the amount of light filtering through is subject to the weather conditions and visibility, so the level of light may vary. During our exploration, you'll also observe cutouts on both the left and right sides of our route. Those on the left will guide us down to deck 4, while those on the right will briefly connect to deck 2. It's worth mentioning that deck 2 is relatively short and doesn't extend deeply into the ship. Eventually, these right-side cutouts lead us outside the ship as deck 2 comes to an end, adding to the intrigue of our underwater adventure. |
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Stern to Engine Room (Deck 4)Upon entering the Yukon at the stern, we traveled about half way through the wreck until we reach the engine room where we spent time exploring.
Within the engine room, a captivating sight awaits as the engine and large pulleys remain visible, providing a glimpse into the ship's machinery. Though the space may be somewhat cramped, the abundance of fascinating sights makes it incredibly interesting. Passageways beyond the engine room have been welded shut which prevents further exploration. At this point we exit the ship and lingered outside, marveling at the surrounding underwater beauty before commencing our ascent. |
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Sister Ships
The Yukon is a Mackenzie-class destroyer used by the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Forces from the 1960s–1990s of which 4 were built. The Mackenzie, Saskatchewan, Yukon and the Qu'Appelle.
The Yukon, Mackenzie and Saskatchewan were sunk as artificial reefs while the Qu'Appelle was scrapped.
The Yukon, Mackenzie and Saskatchewan were sunk as artificial reefs while the Qu'Appelle was scrapped.
Mackenzie (DDE 261)The Makenzie was sunk in 1995 off the coast of Gooch Island, Sidney, BC and sits upright in 100 feet of water with its deck sitting at about 60'
Artificial Reef Society writeup Sea Forces data sheet |
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Saskatchewan (DDE 262)The Makenzie was sunk in 1997 off the coast of Snake Island, Nanaimo, BC and sits upright in 100 feet of water with its deck sitting at about 60'
Sold 1997 to Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia. Scuttled off Nanaimo, British Columbia on 14 June 1997. Artificial Reef Society writeup Sea Forces data sheet |
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