Diving the Ruby E from a Different
Perspective
I was disappointed when the Yukon sinking was postponed. But I am still planning yet another dive very soon to the current crown jewel of Wreck Alley, the Ruby E.
I dived the Ruby E for the umpteenth time last fall. When the charter boat pulled up over the wreck, I was frankly disappointed. I had dived the wreck so many times before. Sure, its a great dive, but I was hoping for a new spot. Even so, I was not going to pass up the dive. Every time I'd dived this wreck I'd seen something new. This time I wanted to see the wreck from many different perspectives. It was the most rewarding dive I'd had to date on the Ruby E. Moreover, it left me wanting many more dives on this spectacular site.
If you've never dived the Ruby E before, now is the time to go. Most the charter boats, after all, will be diving the Yukon this summer. You may not get another chance for a long time. But if you have dived it before, come back. It's better than ever, and if you approach it from new perspectives, it could be one of the best dive(s) you've ever made in Southern California.
GET LOW
While the sand bottom around the wreck is certainly not the most
fascinating marine environment you've 
ever
explored, you will definitely find it different. Most underwater
visitors to the Ruby E bounce around across the upper decks. On the
surrounding sand flats is a whole new world. It is a world of flat
fish ready to pounce on tiny fish that venture too far from the
shelter of the wreck, or a crab that picks away at the marine life
that has become so thick that it falls away from the wreck in the
surge. Take a look at how the gentle but persistent current causes
and effect in the sand known as "scour." Deep valleys are dug in the
sand near the hull, providing odd nooks for animals to hide.
Both the bow and stern are great places to "get low." On the stern, the props are visible, half buried in the sand. The bow towers over you in pink pastel splendor, covered with tiny anemones.
The bottom surrounding the wreck is 82 feet deep, so plan your diving accordingly.
GET INSIDE
The massive Yukon is being prepared dockside for maximum diver
safety and intrigue. Passage ways and holes are being cut into the
hull so experienced divers can penetrate the hull, but with a safe
exit always nearby. The same was done on this wreck in 1989 before
its sinking. There are many passageways for all experience levels to
explore. Getting on the inside and looking out will give you a whole
new look on this wreck. The play of light is fantastic!
The easiest part of the wreck to penetrate is the upper super-structure in 45 to 65 feet of water. Most of the time you can see from one side of the cabin to the other and there is very little silting. The bridge has some great viewing from the portholes. Bring a light for the darker corners. Even though this is an easy penetration, it is best left to experienced divers with a good comfort level.
Penetration into the hull is even more exciting. The two massive engine blocks were left in place and hatchways opened to the engine room. It's dark so a powerful light is a must. Silting is moderate. This is an excellent training ground for wreck diving classes teaching penetration techniques.
Other holes in the wreck's hull require specialized certification. They are dark with silt. Even so, there are no dead ends. There is always an exit.
GET CLOSE
With such a big wreck (130 feet long) it's easy to get lost in
exploring the length and width, but take a few moments for a close
look at the marine life encrusted hull. The most dominant feature is
corynactis anemones. Although they are each only about the size of a
finger tip, thousands blanket the wreck in patches of lavender, pink,
red and more. But even closer examination will reveal tiny shrimp,
nudibranchs, sponges and tunicates. Whatever the current brings in,
the wreck becomes home.
STAY PUT
This is probably the simplest, most productive activity you can do on any reef, artificial or otherwise. Let the marine life come to you! Its surprising what comes out when you just settle down a bit and get comfortable. The Ruby E is no exception. On my dive I settled down by a large cleat. I was trying to take a photo of a star fish when, after settling down, out popped a kelpfish, then a black-eyed goby. Soon thereafter a shy but persistent rubberlip perch showed up. I just kept the camera clicking.
Don't save your dive trip to San Diego waters just for when the Yukon goes down! It's time to visit a seasoned veteran of Wreck Alley and see the crown jewel from a new perspective before she is pushed from the limelight.
