reef

Log This Dive

Wreck of Deepwater Horizon

Okay, let's clear up some confusion right away. The *Deepwater Horizon* wreck, the actual rig that sank, isn't in the Florida Keys. It went down in the Gulf of Mexico, miles offshore from Louisiana. What we *do* have in the Florida Keys, and what we suspect the data is pointing to, is the **USS *Spiegel Grove***, a massive landing ship dock often *mistakenly* referred to by people thinking of a big, deep wreck. If that's the case, then we can talk. The *Spiegel Grove* is a proper beast of a wreck, sitting upright about six miles offshore from Key Largo. We love big wrecks, and this one certainly delivers on scale. Dropping down, the sheer size hits you first – 155 meters long, originally intended as an artificial reef, but she decided to roll over on her side during the sinking in 2002. Eventually, Hurricane Dennis in 2005 righted her, so now she sits upright, just as planned. Penetration is a major draw here, but only if you're appropriately trained and equipped. There are dozens of entry points into cargo holds, crew quarters, and the massive well deck. For those without overhead environment training, there’s still plenty to explore on the exterior. Barracuda often hang motionless near the bridge, looking you over. Schools of jack swirl around the upper decks, and if you keep an eye out in the blue, you might catch sight of a passing tuna or even a dolphin pod. Our favourite spot is the stern, where the prop wash vents attract a surprising amount of smaller reef fish and offer some interesting photographic angles. We’d suggest diving this one on a calm day, as currents can pick up and make finning around this massive structure a bit of a workout. Visibility usually hovers around 20 meters, but it can drop after strong winds, so pick your day.