About Who's Been Here Photos Revisions Denominator Ship Wreck 31550 Palos Verdes Drive West, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA More Info Max Depth: 26-30ft/8-9m Average Viz: 5-10ft/2-3m Entry Type: Boat Bottom Composition: Sand Aquatic Life: Might See Something Rating: 3.00 by 1 divers Spring: 56-60°F/13-16°C Summer: 56-60°F/13-16°C Fall: 50-55°F/10-13°C Winter: 50-55°F/10-13°C View All 9 Photos 8/10/2010 6:31 PM

Denominator Ship Wreck is a boat accessible salt water dive site, located at 31550 Palos Verdes Drive West, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. This dive site has an average rating of 3.00 out of 5 from 1 scuba divers. The maximum depth is 26-30ft/8-9m. The average visibility is 5-10ft/2-3m.

The Dominator ran aground on March 13, 1961 at the point between Lunada Bay and Malaga Cove, near Rocky Point. Carrying a load of wheat and beef from Vancouver, B.C, the vessel was trapped by the current after coming too close to the cliffs.

here are two routes by which to access the wreckage today. Experienced hikers and climbers can make their way down the steep cliffs, but must be cautious of the rocky terrain. It is recommended you go at low tide, be prepared to get wet, and keep an eye out for interesting tide pools.

"The nearest access point is the park along the cove to the south. A different trailhead down to the beach leading to the site begins about 2 miles north along the coast on Paseo Del Mar between Via Horcada and Via Almar in Palos Verdes Estates, California." The Daily Breeze gives the address as 31550 Palos Verdes Drive West, Rancho Palos Verdes. Detailed hiking directions.

Boats passing by can still barely make out a few shards of metal. You can anchor your boat and take a kayak or dinghy to the wreckage there does not appear to be dangerous shards that could pierce a small vessel. But you never know. Surfers in the area are notoriously territorial, so surf at your own risk.
You can also snorkel or dive the wreck, but only in calm conditions. The sea churns up a lot of sand, and there is a lot of kelp in the area, so visibility is not the best. Diver and shipwreck afficionado Phil Bergeron, told the LA Times, "...a diver can actually go inside and be enclosed within part of the wreck, You’re actually down in what they would call the bilge area, the bowels of the ship

Rig/Type:WWII Liberty Ship (Freighter)
Cause of Sinking: Stranding
Length: 441’
Breadth: 57’
Tons: 7,176
Cargo: Wheat and beef
Location: Rocky Point, Palos Verdes
Coordinates of Wreck: 33°46′26″N, 118°25′42″W

Comments

ScottCS - 7/20/2011 5:52 PM The real name of the ship is the Dominator.