“By the dawns early light” held true as several hundred swimmers, kayakers and paddle boarders colorfully dotted the ocean first thing in the morning of July 4 to take part in the annual Swim to the Wreck, a more than four-decade-long tradition to toast our nation’s anniversary.
A victim of our offshore reefs, the SS Breconshire, better known locally as the Boiler Wreck, sank in 1894 and rests in about 15 feet of water, less than a quarter mile from Sexton Beach. Now home to a wealth of marine life, the wreck is a popular dive spot. Around Independence Day, the spot is recognizable from shore by an American flag hoisted atop the wreck in honor of the late Michael Blatus, an avid snorkeler and environmentalist.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
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- Tyler Blaylock, Ashton Wetmiller, Peyton Skidmore, Rylee Skidmore, and Austyn Sorge.
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- Lily, Kathern, and Liam Blum.
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- Casey Schaoenfeld and Dounia Bezzari.
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- Jullia, Lanett, and Kevin Lynos.
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- Josh and Sarah Cross.
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- Kayla Chitty, Brandon Alan, and Malcolm Alan.
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- Ellie and Megan Knowles.
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- Tracy Mayers and Patti Hackett.
