A commercial fisherman found the wreck of the Walker in the 1970s, located 10 nautical miles off the coast of New Jersey in 85 feet of water. Divers have visited the wreck on a regular bases since then. But, it remained unidentified until 2013 when NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) announced that a positive identification had been made.
On June 21, 2013, the NOAA research ship NOASS Thomas Jefferson, operating in the area to conduct hydrographic surveys for navigation after Hurricane Sandy, held a wreath -tossing ceremony in the general area of the wreck of the Robert J. Walker to honor its dead on the 153rd anniversary of its sinking. It was the first commemorative ceremony ever held for them.
The Jefferson then collected survey data using multibeam sonar and sidescan sonar later on that day that established with 80% certainty the identity and location of the wreck.
A NOAA dive team, also in the area for post-Hurricane Sandy operations, confirmed the wreck's identity on 23 June 2013. The NOAA used several key clues to confirm the identity of the ship, including the size and layout of the iron hull, unique engines, and rectangular portholes.
The NOAA has no plans to raise the wreck, make it a sanctuary, or limit diving on it, but does plan to work with the New Jersey diving community to increase understanding of the wreck.
--Old B-Runner
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