Vandenberg Wreck

The Vandenberg Wreck is one of the most popular manmade reefs for diving in Key West, Florida. The ship, actually named the General Hoyt S. Vandenberg, is located seven miles off the coast of Key West. It is140 feet deep and surprises many experienced divers. It is the world's second largest ship ever to have sunken to create a reef and offers dozens of dive points that will please both new divers and those who have been diving for years. The ship reaches 10 stores in the water with its most interesting features near the top. The ship is just over 522-feet long. It took several years to get the ship approved for sinking to enable a dive. The mission to sink the ship was created to offer an exciting dive opportunity in the area of then the natural coral reefs. There is concern there is too much diving in those areas and relieving some of this pressure will help preserve the natural reefs. The ship should also create a marine habitat and increase marine life in the area, boost the economy from the dives and offer a platform for research and education, as well as preserve the history of the vessel.