NBM Dive Site Resource
Long Branch Sunken Locomotives
Long Branch, New Jersey, United States
Two rare nineteenth-century steam locomotives stand upright beside one another offshore from Long Branch, New Jersey. The New Jersey Museum of Transportation documents this paired archaeological site in nearly 90 feet of water, about five miles offshore. Their construction is estimated at circa 1850–1855; the carrying vessel and circumstances of their loss remain uncertain.
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Historic Picture Placeholder
Aquatic life at this dive site
What divers may encounter
Three reviewed connections are featured here. Sightings vary by season, conditions, and chance, so they are never guaranteed.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Site media
Photographs
Three views rotate from the published gallery on each visit.
Contributor media
Dive videos
Three featured video positions are reserved on every profile.Recent field observations
Diver-reported temperatures
Automatically checked observations from dives during the past 14 days. Three reports are visible at a time; scroll for more.A report that passes the automatic checks will appear here with the dive date, diver’s display name, and temperatures at each depth.
Reports are automatically checked for plausible dates, depths, and temperatures. They are observations, not forecasts; confirm conditions before diving.
Why divers know this place
Highlights
Two matching Planet-class 2-2-2 steam locomotives; early railroad engineering and underwater archaeology. Museum research dates construction to approximately 1850–1855 and records discovery by Paul Hepler in 1985.
Before you arrive
Access notes
Historical boat access aboard Venture III is documented by the museum. No current operator-to-site service has been confirmed. Consult the museum and local operators regarding current access and preservation requirements. No navigation coordinates are supplied.
Plan within your training
Conditions and hazards
Cold water, variable visibility, offshore weather, current, fishing line and entanglement, and corroded metal. Preserve the archaeological remains; do not disturb or remove artifacts.
Independent resource notice
This record is a starting point for independent verification. Access, closures, moorings, weather, currents, depth, visibility, operator availability, and site conditions can change without notice. Confirm current information with the responsible operator, property owner, managing authority, or another qualified local source before planning or attempting a dive.