At a length of 338 feet and a width of sixty feet, its size makes the Indra an easy dive. The bottom is sand at 70 feet and the wreck goes up to within 35 feet of the surface. It is close to shore, about twelve miles from Beaufort inlet. The visibility averages 30 feet, but can get up to 50-60 feet. Its proximity to shore makes this a dive that is easy to get to if the weather will not permit diving offshore. It's depth and proximity to shore makes this a popular wreck for training and as a second dive on the way back in from a deeper one.
Sunk in 1992 as part of the North Carolina artificial reef program, the USS Indra is probably the most dived on wreck in this area. The Indra started life as an LST, (Landing Ship Tank) a ship that repaired landing craft. There were two of these craft built, one for use in the Pacific and one for use in the Atlantic. The USS Indra served in World War II as a repair ship and in Vietnam performing upkeep on the river patrol craft. After Vietnam it was assigned to the Army Reserve Fleet at Morehead City, NC.
There is some wreckage surrounding the wreck providing even more shelter for marine life. Before sinking the ship, large holes were cut into the sides to allow for access. It is very easy to penetrate this wreck. The insides are open and many of the bulkheads are cut away. The easy penetration of this wreck makes it very useful for wreck diving classes and for divers trained in wreck diving it is easy to enter. There is a large circular mount on the bow of the ship where a deck gun was at one time placed. On the stern is a large open cargo hold. Off the fantail the propeller guards are still in place under which oyster toads or oyster crackers can usually be found.
The wreck of the Indra is home to a variety of marine life from sharks to sea urchins. During the later summer months it is not uncommon to see tropical fish such as yellow tang or damselfish on this wreck. Octopi have been seen hiding under the wreckage around the ship and on the ship itself. Eels have been spotted in the many smaller holes in the sides of the ship. In the summer of 2001, a large bull shark was infrequently seen near the bow of the Indra and a large Green Sea Turtle was frequently seen near the stern. The occasional stingray can be seen off to the sides of the ship or swimming along the upper decks. Sea bass hide near the structure of the craft year round and if a diver looks into the superstructure the diver is likely to find a school of spadefish.
