SS Pedernales

The SS Pedernales was a World War II and postwar lake tanker. She sailed under the British flag and was built in Monfalcone, Italy, in 1938. Pedernales was severely destroyed by a torpedo assault while anchored at Aruba on February 16, 1942.

The damaged ship was dismantled into three halves. The ship was rebuilt in Baltimore, Maryland, after the fore and aft pieces were linked together. Following being used as a target by Dutch gunners for a period of years after the war, the middle section was left in Aruba and has since become a scuba diving hotspot. In 1959, the tanker's reconstructed section, renamed Esso Pedernales and Katendrecht, was dismantled.

The SS Pedernales is a popular diving wreck off Aruba's west coast, it is considered one of the most famous historical sites in Aruba. It is located in calm water at a depth of no more than 10 meters. The Pedernales are therefore excellent for divers of all levels. This place is also ideal for scuba diving training and underwater photography. During World War II, the SS Pedernales was torpedoed by a German submarine. The ship was then relocated for further overhaul after the undamaged front and back were welded together. The center section is currently a diving wreck.

Website: http://palmbeachdiversaruba.com
Location: Noord Aruba