The good times keep rolling! Conditions this past week were great, and we had amazing visibility. Water temperatures are dipping slightly ‒ it is “winter” after all. Average water temperatures are around 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
This week, we did a very special dive on the “Cannabis Cruiser.” Also known as the “pot wreck,” it is one of the more infamous Florida Keys shipwrecks. In the 1970s, this trawler was used to smuggle drugs into the U.S., with quite some success.
On one of these many illicit journeys, the crew became paranoid that the Coast Guard, who was patrolling nearby, would soon apprehend them. In fear, they intentionally sank the Cruiser and fled. The men escaped, but no one marked her location, and her exact whereabouts were unknown for a few years.
Turns out, she came to her final resting place three miles west of Alligator Reef Light in Islamorada. Five years after her sinking, two scuba divers exploring the reefs of Key Largo discovered the Cruiser sitting upright in about 110 feet of water. Onboard, she still had all of her navigational equipment and a sizable load of marijuana.
Next Week’s Dive Report
Conditions look amazing again this week. This is slightly unusual for December, so take advantage of it! Join us this weekend at Islamorada Dive Center to explore our seas. And, don’t forget your wetsuit!
Conservation Update
Shipwrecks like the Cruiser, whether intentionally sunk or not, are very important to our local economy. Not only are they popular dive destinations, but they also become critical artificial reefs. As natural reefs degrade ‒ due to water quality, storm surge, water temperatures and climate conditions ‒ marine life loses shelter and protection. Artificial reefs serve as an alternative habitat for animals like eels, goliath groupers, lobsters and sharks, and divers often find these on and around wrecks.
Our coral planting efforts work to help bring back natural reefs. The hope is that the combination of natural and artificial reefs will continue to support healthy fish populations, which are the linchpin in our Florida Keys economy. If you want to help, join FIU as they come plant corals with us this week.
Conservation Tip
Artificial reefs help shelter fish and marine life from strong currents, predators and more. They’re a critical part of our ecosystem.
I.CARE Tip
This week, Islamorada Dive Center will be planting corals. Call to join.
