Located in Espiritu Santo, SS President Coolidge, more commonly known as “The Coolidge”, is one of the most popular wrecks in the world. It is the largest and most accessible wreck as well. The wreck is almost 200 metres long and 25 metres wide, with roughly 50 different dive sites to explore. The ship was originally a luxury steamer with room for over 1,000 people. Although it was not a warship, it was sent into service as a troop carrier. During this time it held 5,342 troops. In October 1942 it was sunk by two US mines. Some famous artifacts within the wreck are the “Lady and the Unicorn”, a porcelain statue. Its customary that all divers kiss the lady while diving the SS President Coolidge! Another fun thing to do is to dive into the underwater swimming pool of the wreck!
Location: Just outside of Luganville, Vanuatu
Depth: 20-70 metres
Type: SS Luxury Liner
Built: October 1931
Sunk: October 1942
Length: 200 metres
Tons: 21,936
The SS President Coolidge is dived as a shore dive and all dive sites on the wreck require deco-stops. Some of the dive sites include the Bow & Reef, Promenade Deck, Cargo Holds 1 & 2, Medical Supplies and many more.
Some Dive Sites on the SS President Coolidge
Bow & Reef
Depth: 25 metres
Penetration: None
Marine life: Trigger fish, Lion fish, Nudibranchs, Moray Eels
Features: Hanging Reef
Credit to Ian Banks Photography
Promenade Deck
Depth: 33 metres
Penetration: None
Marine life: Trigger fish, Lion fish, Nudibranchs, Reef Fish
Features: 3 inch gun with ammunition, rifles and artifacts
The Lady
Depth: 39 metres
Penetration: Moderate
Features: The Lady, located in the first class dining salon. The Grand Staircase. Bathrooms on B Deck
The Swimming Pool
Depth: 57 metres
Penetration: None
Features: Swimming pool, collapsed row of toilets, sky lights
The Doctors Office
Depth: 45 metres
Penetration: Full
Features: Artifacts, helmets, shovels and military equipment.
