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The Wreck of the Montana
 Bermuda
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Max Depth: 31-35ft/9-11m
Average Viz: 41-50ft/12-15m
Entry Type: Boat
Bottom Composition: Sand
Aquatic Life: Plenty To See
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Rating: 4.50 by 2 divers
Spring: 66-70°F/19-21°C
Summer: 81-85°F/27-29°C
Fall: 71-75°F/22-24°C
Winter: 61-65°F/16-18°C
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The Wreck of the Montana is a boat accessible salt water dive site, located in Bermuda. This dive site has an average rating of 4.50 out of 5 from 2 scuba divers. The maximum depth is 31-35ft/9-11m. The average visibility is 41-50ft/12-15m.
1863 - English Paddle Steamer
The Montana is the sister ship to Marie Celeste, and shares her fascinating history. During The American Civil War, Bermuda acted as a warehouse for ships running the Unions blockade of the southern states. In order to fool the Union spies, the ships would change their names on the official manifests. The Montana was an elusive ship of multiple identities often operating under the name of Nola, Gloria, Paramount and Montana. She was a highly successful Civil War blockade runner than made frequent trips between England, Bermuda and North Carolina.
Built in Glasgow, Scotland, this sleek 236 foot paddlewheel steamer could run at 15 knots. The shallow reefs of Bermuda accomplished what no Union gun boat could do, it stopped the Montana and she sank on December 30th 1863, she left Bermuda trying to leave via Western Blue Cut but failed to navigate successfully through this treacherous section of Bermudas reef system and ran aground. Bermudian’s sailed out, rescued the crew and salvaged the ship of her cargo and engines.
She now lies in 30 feet of water, still partially intact. The wreck is marked by two steam boilers and two paddlewheel frames lying on their sides. Adorned with a heavy coating of hard corals, soft corals and all sorts of marine life.
Wreck Certificate
The Montana is one of the wreck sites featured in the Bermuda Shipwreck Certificate Program
Divemasters Notes
Located almost alongside The Constellation, and usually completed on the same dive The Montana is in remarkable condition for a ship of her age. The bow can be penetrated and makes for a thrilling swim-through. From the bow section heading along the collapsed deck panels you will reach the main central section of the wreck where both paddle wheels and boilers can be found. The boilers come to within 5 feet of the surface, are easily viewed from a large distance making for an excellent reference point to aid navigation.
There is a large funnel (smoke stack), which people can safely swim-through. As you traverse the funnel keep your eyes open for the steam whistle attached to the outer skin of the smoke stack. A Large Black Fin Grouper normally likes to hang out in the funnel (smoke stack), he’ll move and let you through, as soon as your through he’ll reclaim his home.
There are many fish to be seen, including a resident school of large Grey Snappers on the wreck, and a large school of Barracuda in the sand hole next to the paddle wheels. In spring and autumn, as many as 500 Barracuda school here. This is one of the fishier sites you are likely to find anywhere in the world. A combination of the nutrient rich waters flowing through near by Western Blue Cut, the sites close proximity to the open ocean (these wrecks lie on the outer edges of the barrier reef), and the regular visits by Glass bottom boats whose operators have chummed these waters for many years.
The shallow depths of the wreck make The Montana a superb location for snorkelers and Glass bottom boats, as such you need to be aware of heavy boat traffic in the area of the wreck. Most of the boat operators have been doing their jobs for many years and although at times it may appear they are trying to run you over!!! They do know where you are and will show you plenty of respect and give you room. As tempting as it may be to ascend to wave through the glass bottoms, please remember not to.......... Give the operators the room they need to operate safely.
REMEMBER.... THE REEF IS FRAGILE! PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH OR TREAD ON LIVING CORAL.