The Richard & Charlene: A Sunken Shrimper Off South Carolina's Coast

What the Richard & Charlene is and why it matters to divers

The Richard & Charlene is a commercial shrimp boat that sank off the coast of South Carolina and now rests on the ocean floor as an artificial reef and popular dive site. The wreck lies in roughly 80 to 90 feet of water, making it accessible to recreational divers with open-water certification. The site has become one of the state's most visited wreck dives, attracting divers from across the Southeast who want to explore a piece of working maritime history.

The boat's transformation from a functional vessel to an underwater landmark reflects how South Carolina manages its coastal resources. Intentionally sunk wrecks serve as habitats for fish and marine life, which in turn supports both the diving community and the commercial fishing industry. Understanding the Richard & Charlene's location, condition, and diving requirements helps you plan a safe and rewarding dive experience.

Key Takeaways

• The Richard & Charlene rests in 80 to 90 feet of water off South Carolina's coast and requires open-water diving certification to visit safely.
• The wreck sits upright on the seafloor and has become home to grouper, snapper, and other fish species that make it a productive fishing and diving destination.
• Dive charters operating out of ports like Charleston and Georgetown regularly visit the site and provide the boat, navigation, and safety equipment needed.
• Weather and water conditions change seasonally, so summer and early fall typically offer the best visibility and calmest seas for wreck diving.
• The wreck is protected under South Carolina law, and removing artifacts or disturbing the site is prohibited.

Location and how to reach the wreck

The Richard & Charlene sits approximately 40 miles offshore from Charleston, positioned in the Atlantic waters that define South Carolina's fishing grounds. The exact coordinates are known to dive charter operators, who use GPS and electronic navigation to locate the wreck with precision. Because the site is far enough offshore to require a substantial boat ride, you cannot reach it by swimming from shore or paddling out on your own.

Dive charters based in Charleston, Georgetown, and other coastal towns run regular trips to the wreck, typically departing in the early morning and returning by late afternoon. The boat ride itself takes 45 minutes to over an hour depending on sea conditions and the charter's departure point. Charter operators handle all navigation and positioning, so your role is to arrive on time, bring your certification card, and be ready to dive when the boat is anchored over the site.

What you will see underwater

The Richard & Charlene rests upright on the seafloor, which means the hull, superstructure, and deck remain largely intact and recognizable as a working boat. The wreck is colonized by marine life—grouper, snapper, amberjack, and other species shelter in and around the structure. Divers often report seeing large fish hovering near the wreck's openings and along its exterior, making it a productive site for both observation and underwater photography.

The wreck's condition allows divers to explore the exterior safely without entering confined spaces. The deck, railings, and wheelhouse are visible, giving you a sense of the boat's original purpose and design. Visibility varies with season and weather; summer months typically offer 40 to 60 feet of visibility, while winter conditions can reduce that significantly. The depth of 80 to 90 feet means your bottom time is limited by nitrogen absorption, so most dives last 30 to 40 minutes on the wreck itself.

Diving requirements and certifications

You must hold a Recreational Open Water Diver certification or equivalent from a recognized training agency such as PADI, SSI, or NAUI to dive the Richard & Charlene. This certification confirms you have completed training in basic diving skills, safety procedures, and depth limits. Charter operators will ask to see your certification card before you board, and they will not take divers without proof of current certification.

Because the wreck sits at 80 to 90 feet, some charters recommend or require an Advanced Open Water certification or a specialty rating in deep diving. Even with open-water certification, you should have recent dive experience—ideally within the past six months—and be comfortable diving to depths beyond 60 feet. If you have not dived in a while, consider doing a refresher dive in shallower water before attempting the Richard & Charlene.

You will need your own diving equipment or arrange to rent it through the charter. Most charters offer rental gear including wetsuit, tank, regulator, and buoyancy compensator. Bring your certification card, a log book if you keep one, and any personal items like an underwater camera or dive computer. The charter will provide a safety briefing before the dive, covering the wreck's layout, current conditions, and emergency procedures.

Best times to dive and seasonal conditions

Summer and early fall—roughly June through September—offer the most favorable conditions for diving the Richard & Charlene. Water temperatures range from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit, reducing the need for thick wetsuits and allowing longer bottom times before cold becomes a factor. Visibility is typically best during these months, often reaching 50 to 60 feet or more when conditions align. Sea state is generally calmer, which means a smoother boat ride and easier entry and exit from the water.

Spring and late fall can still produce good diving, though water temperatures drop into the 60s and visibility becomes less predictable. Winter months bring colder water, reduced visibility, and rougher seas, which can lead to charter cancellations. Many divers avoid winter wreck diving unless they have extensive cold-water experience and proper thermal protection. Check with your chosen charter about their seasonal schedule, as some operators reduce trips during slower months or close temporarily.

Choosing a dive charter and what to expect

Charleston-based charters such as Barrier Island Diving and other established operators run regular trips to the Richard & Charlene and maintain good safety records and equipment. When selecting a charter, ask how many divers they take per trip, whether they provide a divemaster or guide in the water, and what their cancellation policy is if weather prevents the dive. Some charters limit group size to ensure safety and personalized attention; others run larger groups. Your preference may depend on whether you want a more intimate experience or are comfortable in a larger group.

On the day of the dive, arrive early to check in, review the safety briefing, and prepare your gear. The charter will assign you a spot on the boat and may pair you with a dive buddy if you do not have one. Once anchored over the wreck, the divemaster will give a final briefing about the site's layout and any specific hazards or points of interest. Divers typically descend in pairs or small groups, spend 30 to 40 minutes on the wreck, and ascend together with safety stops as required by your training and dive computer.

Rules and protections for the wreck site

The Richard & Charlene is protected under South Carolina state law as an artificial reef and historical maritime site. Removing artifacts, anchors, equipment, or any other materials from the wreck is prohibited and can result in fines and legal penalties. The wreck belongs to the state and the diving community; taking souvenirs damages the site for future divers and violates marine resource protection laws.

Divers are expected to observe the wreck without disturbing it. This means no touching or moving debris, no collecting shells or coral, and no entering confined spaces unless you have advanced wreck diving training and the charter explicitly permits it. Anchoring directly on the wreck can cause damage, so responsible charters use mooring buoys or anchor away from the structure. By following these guidelines, you help preserve the Richard & Charlene for future generations of divers and maintain the marine habitat that has grown around it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be an experienced diver to dive the Richard & Charlene?

Open-water certification is the minimum requirement, but recent dive experience and comfort at depths beyond 60 feet are strongly recommended. If you have not dived in several months, do a refresher dive in shallower water first. Some charters suggest advanced certification or deep-diving specialty training for this site.

What is the water temperature, and what wetsuit should I wear?

Summer water temperatures range from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit; fall and spring are cooler, in the 60s. A 3mm to 5mm wetsuit is typical for summer, and a thicker suit or hood is wise for cooler months. Ask your charter what thickness they recommend based on the dive date.

Can I take underwater photos at the Richard & Charlene?

Yes, many divers bring underwater cameras or GoPros to photograph the wreck and marine life. Bring your own camera or rent one through the charter if available. Be mindful of your buoyancy and air consumption while photographing, as it is easy to lose track of time underwater.

What happens if the dive is cancelled due to weather?

Most charters will reschedule your dive for another date or offer a refund if weather makes the trip unsafe. Ask about the charter's specific cancellation and rescheduling policy before you book, as policies vary by operator.

Are there other wreck dives near the Richard & Charlene?

Yes, South Carolina's coast has several other artificial reefs and wreck sites within reach of offshore charters. Ask your charter operator what other sites they visit and whether you can combine multiple wreck dives into a multi-day trip.