Matagorda Island Liberty Ship Reef
The Matagorda Island Liberty Ship Reef is composed of three Liberty Ships, the Dwight L. Moody, the Jim Bridger and the George Dewey. Nine other Liberty Ships are located at other reef sites along the Texas coast.
The Dwight L. Moody made the perilous Atlantic crossing several times during World II; one convoy was attacked, with two ships torpedoed. Both the Jim Bridger and the George Dewey served in the Normandy invasion, transporting Army and Navy personnel and cargo. The crew of the George Dewey was awarded the Operation and Engagement Star for their participation in the initial phases of the invasion. The crew of the Jim Bridger later received the Philippine Liberation ribbon for services including a landing at Mindanao.
The water depth at the Matagorda Island Liberty Ship Reef is 105 to 107 feet, and the depth to the wrecks is from 85 to 105 feet.
Using the NAD83 datum set, the center point of the Matagorda Island Liberty Ship Reef is located at 28 degrees 6 minutes 58.806 seconds North and 96 degrees 05 minutes 14.542 seconds West (Matagorda Island Block 616). This point can be reached by sailing 21 nautical miles on a bearing of 139 degrees from the Matagorda jetties.
A downloadable version of the brochure on the Matagorda Island Liberty Ship Reef is available:
- Matagorda Island Liberty Ship Reef
(PDF 510.6 KB)
