Cozumel Dive 12 Wreck C-53

The C-53 was initially built for the United States Navy during World War II. It was an Admirable-class minesweeper. The ship’s original name was the USS Scuffle (AM-298) when it was originally commissioned in 1943 then built in Tampa, FL, in 1944. It was decommissioned in 1946 after World War II was over.

The ship was sold to the Mexican Navy in 1962 where it was renamed ARM DM-05. It was renamed again in 1994 as the ARM General Felipe Xicoténcatl (C-53). In 1999 it was artificially sunk, and it was taken off the official Mexican Navy rolls in 2000, one year later.

The location chosen for the wreck is just offshore from Chankanaab Park. The site was selected for many reasons including easy access for divers in an area sheltered from strong currents. It was lodged on a big sand bar where the ship would not cause any damage to the existing reef structures.