SS Winfield Scott

The SS Winfield Scott is a 19th-century paddle steamer that now rests about 25 to 30 feet deep off Middle Anacapa Island. Remaining sections of the original vessel structure allow divers to see how these ships were built and used to carry passengers across the ocean.

The vessel was built during the California Gold Rush and carried passengers between San Francisco and Panama. It sank in dense fog off the coast in 1853, becoming one of the major maritime disasters of that period.

The site appears on the National Register of Historic Places and shows how 19th-century people moved across oceans for business and opportunity. The way it rests underwater today reminds visitors of how central maritime travel was to life and commerce along the California coast.

Access to this site requires a boat and diving equipment along with permission from Channel Islands National Park. Visitors should generally plan trips during calm seas and go with experienced diving guides.

The ship's final voyage carried a significant cargo of precious metals that were successfully recovered, and all passengers were safely evacuated. This rescue was remarkable for the time and shows how maritime crews managed emergencies despite the wreck.