Reef Dives: St Pete Beach Reef

This artificial reef is just over five miles out from the Pass-A-Grille Channel Entrance Marker #2 and is a favorite spot for fishermen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTOWEIr43_0

St Pete Beach Reef Tampa Wiki

[caption id="attachment_537" align="alignleft" width="300"] St Pete Beach Reef Tampa[/caption]

The reef was is about 300 feet in length and was started in 1976 when large concrete sections of the Old Corey Causeway and Skyway Bridge were sunk in about 30 feet of water.

In 1984 a 200-foot steel barge was scuttled 50 feet east of the reef's center.

The U.S. Army deployed 10 obsolete combat vehicles in 1995.

A yellow buoy marks the general location of the U.S. Army tanks. (via Divespots)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jop93vcbWdQ

The article Reef Dives: St Pete Beach Reef was first published on Florida Scuba Diving

Reef Dives: South County Artificial Reef

This artificial reef site was developed in 2001-2003 and consists of tons of concrete rubble piles and a 100-year-old tug named Orange.

The site is well-marked with buoys and home to large amounts of fish.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IvSYIlkHNo

South County Artificial Reef Tampa Wiki

The South County Artificial Reef Site lies 11 miles out from the Pass-A-Grille entrance marker and 10 miles from the St. John's Pass entrance marker.

[caption id="attachment_533" align="alignleft" width="300"] South County Artificial Reef Tampa[/caption]

South County is a quarter-mile square artificial reef area in which two reefs have been developed. The center of the square is marked by a yellow buoy.

The first reef developed, known as "Site One", consists of 700 tons of concrete debris, light poles, and bridge pilings that were placed in 45 feet of water in October 2001.

Site One has a round, white mooring buoy. The main concrete rubble pile is about 90 feet long, 25 feet wide and ranges from 15-17 feet high.

About 25 feet to the south are five smaller piles of rubble and 75 feet to the north are five more satellite piles. These smaller piles are about 10 feet in profile.

The second site developed in South County is the Tug Orange. This one-hundred-year old tug was sunk in 2003. The Orange is marked with a buoy attached to its bow.

Near the bottom of the rubble live grouper and black sea bass. Enormous schools of baitfish attract kingfish, jacks, Spanish mackerel and bonita to the tops of the piles. (courtesy Divespots)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymG0If9E8Dc

The article Reef Dives: South County Artificial Reef was first published on Florida Scuba Diving

Wreck Dives: Sheridan

Cool Wreck to check out. Lots of stuff to see and take pics of.

The Sheridan is a tug that was sunk off the coast of Clearwater as part of Florida’s Artificial Reef Program. The Sheridan was not blown apart to be sunk, instead it was sunk by opening tru-hull fittings and allowing the water to flow in.

This non-destructive method of sinking the boat has kept this wreck in beautiful diving condition.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN8rQj66Xtw

Sheridan Wreck Clearwater Tampa Wiki

The Sheridan was a 180 foot long ocean tug boat that sank inside the Pinellas #2 Artificial Reef Site near Tampa and Clearwater.

[caption id="attachment_529" align="alignleft" width="300"] Sheridan Wreck Tampa[/caption]

The wreck lies fully upright, intact and lists slightly to starboard. She has many openings for entering the wreck which we only advise for experienced wreck divers.

Its deepest sections are at 75 feet of water while the top can be found at only forty feet below the surface. So, when diving at this dive site, you can see parts of the ship during your whole dive.

Many consider the Sheridan to be one of the best wreck dives in the Tampa/Clearwater area.

The Sheridan is home to several Goliath Grouper and barracuda and always has lots of marine life to observe. Spanish mackerel, amberjack, crevelle jack, trigger fish, snapper, and even the occasional shark frequent the reef site.

This is a great spot to take pictures of some large grouper.

Advanced wreck divers will enjoy exploring the open compartments. The tug lists about 50 degrees to starboard with its prop in place. The top of the wreck can be reached at 25-30 feet.

The wreck is surrounded by concrete culverts and tires. (courtesy Divebuddy)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjtZuKdHyFw

The article Wreck Dives: Sheridan was first published on Florida Scuba Diving

Wreck Dives: Gunsmoke

The Gunsmoke is an interesting wreck dive. The old shrimper sits in 80 feet of water about 20 miles offshore. She is listing to starboard and has collapsed at midship.

Shrimp nets are draped across the rigging.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDnkBzvpxrc

Gunsmoke Wreck Tampa Wiki

The Gunsmoke was an old shrimper that was being used to smuggle marijuana into Florida.

[caption id="attachment_524" align="alignleft" width="300"] Gunsmoke Wreck Tampa[/caption]

In 1977, the 65 foot Gunsmoke was scuttled by her crew. The Coast Guard found only a few floating bales of marijuana when they arrived at the scene.

One report tells of government divers finding a dead crew member, who was shot in the head, below deck.

We may never know exactly what happened aboard the Gunsmoke that day, but today this old shrimper, sitting in 80 feet of water off St. Pete, is one of the most spectacular wreck dives in the area.

She lies with a slight starboard list, 24 miles from John's Pass. (via Shipwreckexpo)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4dJKPW0lWs

 

The article Wreck Dives: Gunsmoke was first published on Florida Scuba Diving

Wreck Dives: Blackthorn

Located in 80 feet of water, this 180 foot Coast Guard Tender lies about 20 miles offshore in the Pinellas Artificial Reef Site #2.

Broken into 2 large sections that lie upside down, this wreck attracts a large variety of marine life from Goliath Grouper to Whale Sharks.

Not recommended for penetration due to poor visibility from excessive silt, this is an intermediate/advanced dive site. (Adiscuba)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TEcGiSXlCQ

Blackthorn Wreck Tampa Wiki

USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) was a 180-foot (55 m) seagoing buoy tender (WLB) which sank in 1980 in a collision near the Tampa Bay Sunshine Skyway Bridge, resulting in 23 crew member fatalities.

An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota.

[caption id="attachment_517" align="alignleft" width="267"] courtesy of Wikipedia[/caption]

Blackthorn's preliminary design was completed by the United States Lighthouse Service and the final design was produced by Marine Iron and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth.

On 21 May 1943 the keel was laid, she was launched on 20 July 1943 and commissioned on 27 March 1944. The original cost for the hull and machinery was $876,403.

Blackthorn was one of 39 original 180-foot (55 m) seagoing buoy tenders built between 1942-1944. All but one of the original tenders, USCGC Ironwood (WLB-297), were built in Duluth.

The Accident: Blackthorn was outward bound from Tampa Bay on the night of 28 January 1980. Meanwhile, the tanker Capricorn, owned by Kingston Shipping Company and operated by Apex Marine Corporation of New York, was standing (traveling with right-of-way) into the bay.

Damage to the Blackthorn from the initial impact was not extensive. However, Capricorn's anchor was ready to be let go. The anchor became embedded in the Blackthorn's hull and ripped open the port side above the water line.

Then as the two ships backed away from each other, the chain became taut. The force of the much larger ship pulling on it, caused Blackthorn to tip on her side until she suddenly capsized.

Six off-duty personnel who had mustered when they heard the collision alarm were trapped inside the ship. Several crew members who had just reported aboard tried to escape and in the process trapped themselves in the engine room. Although 27 crewmen survived the collision, 23 perished. (courtesy Wikipedia)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gxmy5EX3jgA

The article Wreck Dives: Blackthorn was first published on Florida Scuba Diving

Reef Dives: Horseshoe Reef

Great site with three horseshoe shaped re-entrants to the reef. Grouper, snapper, large moray eels, trumpet fish, & spotted drums have been seen here.

Large numbers of small barracuda are common. The eastern side of the ledge has great ledges as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wSARtF4YDM

Horseshoe Reef West Palm Beach Wiki

Located in 40-60 feet of water, 10 miles south of the Palm Beach Inlet, 1 mile NE of the Lake Worth Pier, this

[caption id="attachment_514" align="alignleft" width="300"] Horseshoe Reef West Palm Beach[/caption]

natural reef system features a wall drop-off as well as some caves, undercuts, ledges and holes that attract marine life.

The top of this reef is covered in soft sponges, corals and gorgonians.

Frequently visited by by Hawksbill and Loggerhead turtles during summer months, schools of baitfish and other marine life make the area their home. (Adiscuba)

Horseshoe Reef is a ledge system popular with drift divers.

This is a great reef system. If you have good air consumption and if the current Gods are with you, the trip from the beginning of the reef to the Horseshoe can be made with time to play inside the horseshoe, located at the North end of the reef. (Divebuddy)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Rt0_wEoEtw

The article Reef Dives: Horseshoe Reef was first published on Florida Scuba Diving

Wreck Dives: Gilbert Sea

Gilbert Sea MV was a former drug smuggling vessel which was seized when docked in the Miami River. The vessel was donated to the Palm Beach County Artificial Reef Program.

Deployed in February 2002.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaXcnvjksE8

Gilbert Sea Wreck West Palm Beach Wiki

[caption id="attachment_510" align="alignleft" width="300"] Gilbert Sea Wreck West Palm Beach[/caption]

Located in 90 feet of water 1.5 miles from the Palm Beach Inlet, this intermediate/advanced dive site is the wreck of the Gilbert Sea.

Its wheelhouse is covered in painted murals and is becoming known for its tropical and game fish.

This boat is part of the Governor's River Walk reef project.

Governor’s River Walk Reef is approximately 1½ miles south of the Lake Worth Inlet in about 90 ft. of water. It is due east of the natural reef, South Double Ledges.

There are 4 ships that make up Governor's River Walk, the Gilbert Sea, ShaSha Boekanier, St. Jacques, and Thozina. (Adiscuba)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wDlCOhk2ag

The article Wreck Dives: Gilbert Sea was first published on Florida Scuba Diving

Reef Dives: Flower Gardens

The Flower Gardens has an amazing ecosystem with large fish, sponges, corals, and grunts making this ledge a dive filled with life and vivid colors.

The Flower Gardens has a shallow ledge that contains both an inside and outside drop.  The outside ledge has several fingers and starts at 40 feet then slopes down to 70 feet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LtOUUmbqTE

Flower Gardens West Palm Beach Wiki

An outside edge, with several fingers extending seaward.

[caption id="attachment_506" align="alignleft" width="300"] Flower Garden West Palm Beach[/caption]

Depths about 52 feet on top of the fingers, 70 feet in sand between.

Edges on both sides and west end of the fingers.

In bright sunshine, perhaps the most colorful reef in the area.

Profuse sponge and coral growth, and clouds of grunts so large fellow divers cannot be seen on the other side of the school.

All the common reef fish in abundance. (courtesy Wadespage)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkqp_50xXIE

The article Reef Dives: Flower Gardens was first published on Florida Scuba Diving

Reef Dives: Cable Crossing

This reef takes its name from the large communication cable that runs through the area. The reef lies in 25 feet of water and consists of a series of 4- to 5-foot ledges and mini caves.

This is the standard Palm Beach drift dive. Excellent for beginners.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBRwsJ_mOmg

Cable Crossing West Palm Beach Wiki

Located in 20 feet of water, just south of the Breakers Hotel, this natural reef is a series of ledges from 4 to 5 feet

[caption id="attachment_502" align="alignleft" width="300"] Cable Crossing West Palm Beach[/caption]

in length and is peppered with holes that house juvenile fish and other marine life.

This is perfect for the novice and for snorkeling or just passing time during your surface intervals before you can go back down.

This site gets its name from the large communications cable that runs through the area.

Very close to but not actually a part of the Breakers Reef. (Adiscuba)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBRDDiJicAE

The article Reef Dives: Cable Crossing was first published on Florida Scuba Diving

Reef Dives: Breakers Reef

Breaker’s Reef is an excellent drift dive area running nearly two miles north and south with dramatic undercut ledges, overhangs, and swim-throughs.

Don't be surprised if you come across Goliath grouper, a school of squid or loggerhead turtles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2K3nFn4ZWAo

Breakers Reef West Palm Beach Wiki

The Breakers Reef system runs for nearly 2 miles off the beach front hotel that gives it the name.

It's the most heavily dived reef in the area for the reason that it's be best in the area.

Every form of native sea life resides here, and in great numbers.

Breakers Shallow

[caption id="attachment_498" align="alignleft" width="300"] Breakers Reef West Palm Beach[/caption]

An inside ledge 30 feet in the sand with fingers and undercuts. Rises 8-10 feet in places to 20 feet on top.

No current, plenty of juvenile tropicals and many invertebrates. This site frequently used by instructors to give students their first saltwater dives, and frequented by private boats.

One of the few places in the Riviera Beach area where the 30 foot reefline is well developed.

Breakers South

Broken patchy inside reef with not much definition to the edge. Over 200 yards across at widest point.

Patches of sand throughout the reef, many small ledges and undercuts. Good lobster territory, as many hiding places.

Many individual ecosystems as tropicals find lots of hiding places. Depth 49 feet on top sloping to about 60. (via WadesPage)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXKSaWgYIb4

The article Reef Dives: Breakers Reef was first published on Florida Scuba Diving

Reef Dives: Bath and Tennis

Located in water ranging from 40-65 feet deep, this natural reef is just east of Mar-a-Lago, the “Trump” seaside mansion and directly offshore from the Bath and Tennis Club of Palm Beach (its namesake).

If you come inshore to very shallow water – about 10 feet deep, you’ll find the sand is discolored – this is where an old shipwreck lies.

Not much is left to see – but the reef itself is abundant with marine life and the little nooks and holes in the reef house lobster. (Adiscuba)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4N6rBXZ4p8

Bath & Tennis Reef West Palm Beach Wiki

In bright sunshine Bath & Tennis reef becomes alive with colors.

[caption id="attachment_494" align="alignleft" width="300"] Bath and Tennis Reef West Palm Beach[/caption]

Depths in this area range from 43 feet to 65 feet.

Inshore in 10 feet of water the remnants of a vintage shipwreck can be seen.

Locating this area may be difficult so look for the discoloration of the bottom sand.

The entire area is oblong in shape and is about 1/4 mile long. The current is generally not an issue at this location.

Broken edges and stretches of ridges provide areas for schools of fish and lobsters to reside. (Source: Divespots)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsyESIaRA3k

The article Reef Dives: Bath and Tennis was first published on Florida Scuba Diving

Wreck Dives: Amaryllis Wreck

Located in 85 feet of water a mile NE of the Palm Beach Inlet and just 300 yards from the Mizpah – this 445 foot banana freighter has its upper deck removed, but the lower deck and helm are intact.

The engines and mechanical systems are covered with soft corals and attract a wide variety of marine life.(Adiscuba)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlUc-B9jB_g

Amaryllis Wreck West Palm Beach Wiki

Amaryllis was a cargo ship built in 1945 at Burrard Dry Dock in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

[caption id="attachment_489" align="alignleft" width="280"] courtesy of Shipwreckexpo[/caption]

She was 441.6 feet (134.6 m) long and measured 7,147 gross register tons.

Originally named Cromwell Park, she was built for the government of Canada to be used in World War II.

In 1946 she was sold to Canadian Transportation Co. Ltd. which renamed her the Harmac Vancouver. In 1948, she was sold to Greek shipowner Kydoniefs, renamed the Amaryllis and registered in Panama.

In 1965, she ran aground during Hurricane Betsy off the coast of Florida and was later sunk offshore as an artificial reef. (Wikipedia)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2PRsGUTRGE

The article Wreck Dives: Amaryllis Wreck was first published on Florida Scuba Diving

Wreck Dive: Hog Heaven

Hog Heaven is a 180-foot barge that lies upside down in 64 feet of water. Another barge, the Wayne, is close by along with debris sunk to help reefs form.

Easy dive. Some current at the surface, much less at the bottom. Beautiful artificial reef with an abundance of marine life. Plenty jacks, angelfish, and stingray.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQwhZjN7RlU

Hog Heaven Wreck Fort Lauderdale Wiki

Hog Heaven is a 180-foot barge that lies upside down in 64 feet of water.

[caption id="attachment_484" align="alignleft" width="300"] Hog Heaven Fort Lauderdale[/caption]

While traveling to be sunk as an artificial reef, this ship flipped upside down.

The barge was owned by Western Contractors Company of Iowa and was sunk in 1986.

In 1988, a dredge pipe and concrete bridge beams were added to the site to help foster the formation of an artificial reef.

In the same area is the 70-foot barge, Wayne, about 200 feet northeast. The remains of the Pacific Reef Lighthouse are also nearby. This debris was sunk in 1989 to form an artificial reef. (courtesy of Divespots)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AS8DFDmddRI

The article Wreck Dive: Hog Heaven was first published on Florida Scuba Diving

Reef Dive: Hammerhead Reef

Hammerhead is a reef that extends for over two miles from the Dania Pier almost to Port Everglades Cut.

A great spot for a reef drift dive.  In places, this coral reef reaches to 24′ from the sand and has nooks and crannies, ledges and overhangs that are great hiding spots for lobsters, turtles, eels and fish.

Southern Stingrays are frequently spotted here as well. (via Seaxp.com)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aud42huzjWg

Hammerhead Reef Fort Lauderdale Wiki

Beginning a half-mile south of Port Everglades, Hammerhead Reef stretches for 2.5 miles and ends at the Dania Pier.

[caption id="attachment_480" align="alignleft" width="300"] Hammerhead Reef Fort Lauderdale[/caption]

The base of the reef lies in 80 feet of water on the eastern side and in 60 feet on the western side.

The reef rises to as high as 18 feet in some places.

Hammerhead Reef contains many undercuts and ledges which provide shelter for an abundance of tropical marine life.

Southern Stingrays can often be found buried in the sand along the edges of the reef.

This is a popular drift dive for both private and charter dive boats. (courtesy of Lauderdale Diver)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZvd7b1kfWA

The article Reef Dive: Hammerhead Reef was first published on Florida Scuba Diving

Reef Dive: Hall of Fame Moorings

The Hall of Fame Moorings consist of a series of ledges marked by nine buoys. Depths at this site begin at 15 feet and reach down to 30 feet.

Many ledge and undercuts with great sealife.

A comfortable where divers feel safe and in control with very little current very good visibility and not many obstacles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zke_vgD4X6g

Hall of Fame Moorings Fort Lauderdale Wiki

[caption id="attachment_476" align="alignleft" width="300"] Hall of Fame Moorings Fort Lauderdale[/caption]

Natural ledges marked by nine buoys six miles north of the Port Everglades Cut.

Depths of 15-30 feet make this a good novice dive site.

This site consists of a series of natural ledges and is marked by nine buoys.

Depths from 15 to 30 feet and the large numbers of tropical fish that live in the area make this site a great dive for photographers and for the novice diver. (via Adiscuba)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OqBms6jy94

The article Reef Dive: Hall of Fame Moorings was first published on Florida Scuba Diving

Wreck Dives: Guy Harvey

Sunk in 1997, the Guy Harvey has quickly become one of Broward County's most popular artificial reefs. The 170-foot former freighter sits on the bottom in 140 feet of water.

Harvey, a well-known marine artist, requested that the wreck be prepared for divers. Silhouettes painted by Harvey on the sides of the hull are gone but have been replaced by sea fans and sponges.

Though the wreck's hull sits below the recreational diving limit, a disciplined diver can explore the main deck and wheelhouse at 100 to 120 feet. (via SPortsDiver)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsGwwR56UnE

Guy Harvey Wreck Fort Lauderdale Wiki

The Guy Harvey was built in Holland in 1957, this 185 foot freighter spent the last of her 10 years sailing between Haiti and the Lesser Antilles as the Lady Kimberly.

[caption id="attachment_472" align="alignleft" width="300"] Guy Harvey Wreck Fort Lauderdale[/caption]

She was sunk in 144 feet of water on May 10, 1997 courtesy of Guy Harvey and the Pompano Fishing Rodeo.

The Guy Harvey is 185' long and 30ft wide. The ship sits upright with the bow pointing south.

Large fish murals were painted by world renown wildlife artist Guy Harvey. White paint was used to stand out against the ocean blue; however, they have since been covered with growth.

This is a deep dive and borderlines a Tech. Dive. Deep diving experience is required. (South Florida Diving)

Guy Harvey: Guy Harvey (born 16 September 1955) is a Jamaican marine wildlife artist and conservationist.

His depictions of sealife, especially of sportfish such as marlin, are popular with sportfishermen and have been reproduced in prints, posters, T-shirts, jewellery, clothing, and other consumer items.

Harvey is also a very vocal and active advocate for marine conservation, having established the Guy Harvey Research Institute (GHRI) at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida as well as the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, an organisation that funds scientific research and educational initiatives. (Wikipedia)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDaD_coEPoc

The article Wreck Dives: Guy Harvey was first published on Florida Scuba Diving

Wreck Dives: Donal G. McAllister

This 101-foot former New York harbor boat now lies in 75 feet of water and rises 30 feet off the sea floor. For the advanced SCUBA diver, the pilothouse and cargo hold can be penetrated.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue1gw9bE0tk

Donal G. McAllister Wreck Fort Lauderdale Wiki

[caption id="attachment_466" align="alignleft" width="300"] Donal G. McAllister Wreck[/caption]

Lying in 75 feet of water and rising 30 feet off the bottom, this 101 foot wreck is more for the advanced diver.

This ship was sunk in June of 1998 as part of the Broward County Artificial Reef Program.

Originally a New York harbor boat, the 101 foot vessel lies in about 75 feet of water.

Anemones, sponges and soft corals have populated the railings and decks and the pilothouse and cargo hold can be accessed by advanced SCUBA divers or certified wreck divers. (via Adiscuba)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8wNNoh91OA

The article Wreck Dives: Donal G. McAllister was first published on Florida Scuba Diving

Wreck Dives: Copenhagen

Dive boats often visit the shallow wreck, which is popular with local scuba divers and snorkelers. With an estimated 10,000 visitors per year, it is by far the most popular underwater preserve in the state.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbufLOnJSe8

SS Copenhagen Wreck Fort Lauderdale Wiki

SS Copenhagen is a shipwreck off the town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Florida, United States.

The single screw steamer was built in Sunderland, England in 1898, sinking in 1900.

[caption id="attachment_461" align="alignleft" width="247"] courtesy of nps.gov[/caption]

Located on the Pompano Dropoff reef south of Hillsboro Inlet, it became the fifth Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve when it was dedicated in 1994.

There is a plaque noting this distinction south of the wreck.

This was followed on 31 May 2001 with its addition to the US National Register of Historic Places. (Wikipedia)

A 19th-century steel-hulled schooner-rigged screw steamship, the SS Copenhagen was constructed in Sunderland, England.

It was registered in Glasgow, Scotland, to the Glasgow Shipowners Company, Ltd., which used the vessel to transport cargo across the Atlantic. Launched in 1898, the Copenhagen met a watery grave only two years later during a voyage between Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Havana, Cuba.

The Copenhagen was transporting some 4,940 tons of coal when, without warning, it ran aground and became stranded on a reef.

The crew began to unload cargo and efforts were made to free the ship from the reef but, ultimately, the vessel was abandoned. (Further reading at nps.gov)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILKekp3oggU

The article Wreck Dives: Copenhagen was first published on Florida Scuba Diving

Wreck Dives: Capt Dan

The Captain Dan is a 175' long Coast Guard Tender. The bow points south and the ship is standing at attention upright at 110'.

The top of the wheelhouse is around 80'. The Dan is covered with fish. You never know what you will see here, there has been 2 whale shark sightings here, a day and a year apart.

Large barracuda, grouper, amberjack, and other schools of fish frequent this wreck.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAqfXzyGKmI

Capt. Dan Wreck Fort Lauderdale Wiki

[caption id="attachment_458" align="alignleft" width="300"] Capt. Dan Wreck Fort Lauderdale[/caption]

Sunk on February 20 1990, this 175-foot coast guard buoy tender is one of the most “covered in coral” wrecks to dive on.

Because this vessel is so large, you can easily swim through many areas without seeing other people.

A favorite section is the outside hall passage where you have to avoid fans and whips as you swim past.

There are many passages and rooms for penetration. And you will usually see a few resident goliath groupers scurrying from section to section to stay out of your way. (via Scubatyme)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdP_LElP-kY

The article Wreck Dives: Capt Dan was first published on Florida Scuba Diving

Wreck Dives: Robert Edmister Reef

The Edmister is a 95' Coast Guard Cutter. Hurricane Andrew was not kind the cutter leaving it flattened in some sections. The wreckage still attracts lots of fish and is covered in growth.

The Jay Scutti wreck lies about 1,000' to the north.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCUH9xZ4qqM

Robert Edmister Wreck Fort Lauderdale Wiki

[caption id="attachment_454" align="alignleft" width="300"] Robert Edmister Wreck Fort Lauderdale[/caption]

This 95-foot Coast Guard Cutter was built in Maryland in 1953.

She was used as a search and rescue vessel and to intercept drug smuggling operations.

In 1984 she caught fire and was damaged. The vessel was sold at auction to Dale Scutti, a Ft. Lauderdale businessman who renamed her Robert Edmister after a friend and ocean environmentalist who had passed away.

The newly named Robert Edmister was sunk on December 11, 1989 in 70 feet of water. Her wheelhouse is located 50 feet down. (via Divespots)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrQ8Q-p_8pc

The article Wreck Dives: Robert Edmister Reef was first published on Florida Scuba Diving