The Wreck of the Nika - The Fish Bowl

Description

The Nika caught fire at the mouth of the Columbia River back in the early 1900's or so. The ship was abandoned and in 10 hours, managed to drift all the way up and in to Barkley Sound, where it hit a rock and sank.

Divers at this site can either dive the wreck or the rock that it sits next too. The rock itself has a large "bowl" area in it, giving it the name of The Fish Bow. Add a lot of fish to this area, and you can easily see what it would be named such. Yes, large quanties of all species of fish live here. If it's suppose to be in these waters, it probably can be found at the Fish Bowl.

Location

Directions from Seattle donated by Jeff Rosenfeld (jeffrose@cks.ssd.k12.wa.us)

Basically, you take I-5 to the border. I-5 then turns into Canadian Highway 1. You take it for about 10-15 miles, excuse me 20km (you're in Canada now...) and get off at the exit for the Tsawassen Ferry. I think it's exit 20, but just follow the signs to the Tsawassen Ferry Terminal. Check out their page at http://www.bcferries.bc.ca/index.html for schedules, rates, and other info.

You'll want to take the Ferry to Namaimo (Duke Point Ferry Terminal). It's a 2 hour crossing. You'll want to arrive at least 30-45 minutes early.

Once you are off the Tswwassen to Duke Ferry, follow the signage that takes you to Campbell River. Highway 19. Do not turn into Parksville....stay on the highway. There will be a sign that says "Port Alberni". This will take you on an off ramp and you will soon be on a two lane highway only. Follow the road past Cameron Lake, MacMillan's Catherdral Grove and up and over the mountain and in to Port Alberni. Follow the sign that says "Port Alberni and Bamfield".

Comments

The Nika has been reduced down to some large metal boilers and some large, spread out rubble piles. I did a quick survey of the wreck than spent the rest of the dive in the Fish Bowl. This site get's One Thumb Up on the Diving the Northwest Barkley Sound Scale.