Military Ship in the Deep Sea
Since 2000, the C 53 sunken ship near Chankanaab Park has become part of Cozumel’s marine life. Felipe Xicoténcatl C-53 is its name and it is so impressive that it is well worth a dive on your next visit.
C-53 A ship that saved lives for two countries
This mine sweeper was designed for military use in 1944, during World War II. The ship fought in the Pacific and participated in important military operations.
So much so, that it received the five battle stars for its service at sea.
In 1946, when the war was over, she was decommissioned from the U.S. Navy.
In 1962 the Mexican Navy bought the ship to convert her into an Almirante class gunboat. Her new name was Felipe Xicotancatl C-53.
What we know today as the Chankanaab wreck, was patrolling the Gulf of Mexico for 37 years. During that time she fought against illegal smuggling of drugs and weapons, and participated in numerous rescue missions.
In 1962 the Mexican Navy bought the ship to convert her into an Almirante class gunboat. Her new name was Felipe Xicotancatl C-53.
What we know today as the Chankanaab wreck, was patrolling the Gulf of Mexico for 37 years. During that time she fought against illegal smuggling of drugs and weapons, and participated in numerous rescue missions.
Diving in El Barco Hundido (The Sunken Ship)
Although most tourists who visit Cozumel Island prefer to go to Cielo, Palancar, Chancanaab, among other sites where they can snorkel, El Barco Hundido is one of the favorite wrecks or sunken ships for many divers worldwide, it is at a depth of 24 meters, with a length of 56 meters. But the most interesting thing about it is that it is a submerged testimony of history.
The wreck of Chankanaab, Cozumel is one of the few wrecks that can be visited in the waters of the island. The reason is that the ships that have sunk throughout history in its vicinity, or did so at depths inaccessible to divers or have disappeared whipped by currents and tropical storms.
However, the Felipe Xicotencatl C-53 does maintain great attractions that make it worthy of a dive.
Life in this sunken treasure
When it was finally decommissioned in 1999, the Felipe Xicotancatl C-53 still had one more mission to fulfill: to join the underwater treasures of Cozumel to the delight of divers.
On June 5, 2000, she began her new assignment, this time, at the bottom of the Caribbean Sea.
Throughout these 22 years several corals have grown on the metal of the sunken ship, in our visit we can find angel fish, barracudas, green moray eels, giant king crabs and fire worms.
Combined with a night dive in the Paradise reef of Cozumel Island, where many organisms remain asleep and hidden during the day, but during the night it is possible to appreciate a different scene, octopus, lobsters, crabs, squids. This wreck is an authentic historical testimony, but also a flourishing artificial reef exultant with life.
Of course the C-53 can be visited both inside and out. In fact, walking through the corridors, where sailors once worked, is an experience you will thoroughly enjoy.
Believe us when we tell you that descending to this fantastic wreck is an experience in the Cozumel Island Marine Park.
Braving the current is worth it just to see almost the entire deck of the wreck from above. As divers get closer to the wreck, the current decreases, making it easier to make progress.
Dive guides report that the boat Felipe Xicoténcatl is currently surrounded by sponges, starfish and multicolored fish. Some guides even say that they have seen sharks swimming around this boat, but they are harmless, so it is necessary to be accompanied by a diving expert with a minimum Open Water certification to do these dives.
We also recommend you not to take a flight 18 hours after your last dive.
