Ruby E

Description
The Ruby E is a very popular San Diego wreck that is frequented by local diving charters, often part of a local trip to "Wreck Alley". The ship lies upright in about 80 feet of water less than two miles off the coast of Mission Beach. The Ruby is part of the 200-acre Mission Beach artificial reef. Her position is marked by yellow Department of Fish & Game buoy.

Widely-known for the invertebrate life, this wreck is a 165-foot-long haven for macro photograpers when the conditions are favorable. Wreck divers will find several access points in the deck and hull; the boat was prepared for divers before sinking. One popular plan is a visit to the the large twin diesels in the engine room. The Ruby is a former Coast Guard Cutter, and was at one time equipped with several guns, but unfortunately she no longer carries them.

History of Ruby E
The Ruby E was commissioned as the "B" Class Coast Guard Cutter Cyane (WPC-105) on October 25th, 1934 and based in Ketchikan, Alaska. The Cyane was named for the fresh water nymph (naiad) in Greek mythology who opposed Hades when he raped Persephone. She was built by Lake Union Dry Dock & Machine Works of Seattle, Washington and designed for the enforcement of Prohibition.

During World War II, she conducted anti-submarine and search and rescue patrols. She also served as an escort for convoys.

The Cyane was decommissioned on August 1, 1950 and and placed in storage at the Coast Guard Moorings in Kennydale, Washington. She was sold to Birchfield Boiler, Inc., of Tacoma, Washington on December 7, 1954, to commence a new life as a fish-processing vessel. Before her last years of topside service as a salvage vessel, she was renamed Ruby E. On June 18, 1989, the Ruby E. was intentionally sunk as an artificial reef.
Sources: U.S. Coast Guard, California Coastal Commission

General Considerations
Both surface and underwater conditions near the Ruby E can vary. Swells can be significant, and visibility can range anywhere from less than 1' to over 20'. Caution must be taken not to stir up silt on the bottom, especially when penetrating the wreck.

Facilities
Most commercial dive boats that travel to the Ruby E are well prepared and stocked with heads, snacks, emergency equipment and navigational systems.