Sunken Florida Keys: Wreck Trek's Cayman Salvager Turns 30

This Keys History story spotlights an historically focused attraction, event, person or place that enriches the Florida Keys

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — The 187-foot steel-hulled Cayman Salvager that functioned as a lighthouse buoy tender marked a significant occasion on April 30, 2015: the 30th anniversary of the day the ship slipped beneath the sea to become an artificial reef in waters off Key West.

Utilized as a cable layer and to haul freight, the Cayman Salvager, known also as Cayman Salvor, was in service from 1936 to 1985. Subsequently, following a government seizure resulting from the ship's 1979 role in carrying Cuban refugees during the Mariel boatlift, it sat neglected at the U.S. Navy harbor in Key West and was slated to be scuttled as a deep reef in 300 feet of water.

However, the ship unexpectedly sank at its dockside location in 1985. Raised and refloated, it was towed out to sea. During transport, much to recreational divers' delight, the tow cable snapped, sending the Cayman Salvager to the sandy bottom resting on its side.

The ship's stern sits in 92 feet of water, its engine room and interior compartments are located at 80 feet and open decks can be found at 70 feet. The dive site is close to the currents of the Gulf Stream, providing excellent visibility.

In 2005, a forceful surge from Hurricane Kate passing through the islands shifted the Cayman Salvager to sit upright. Although penetration is recommended only for well-trained wreck divers, the ship's cavernous open holds make for interesting exploration. Baitfish, grunts and massive resident goliath groupers find refuge here, and a green moray eel lives on or around the ship's highlight — a cable pulley built into its bow, encrusted with corals and sponges.

Cayman Salvager is among three Key West dive sites that help make up the Florida Keys Wreck Trek program, established in 2010 to attract recreational, wreck-specialty and advanced divers seeking a unique experience in the Keys.

A "2.0" edition of the program was offered between 2012 and 2014, and the current version, dubbed "Wreck Trek 3.0," continues through Jan. 1, 2016.

Participating divers can complete nine logbook dives during either one or multiple visits to the Florida Keys. Those who dive five wrecks included in the program's passport-style logbook, with one dive in each area of the Keys, receive a personalized collage print. Divers who complete all nine wrecks also are eligible to win prizes. Prizewinners are randomly selected. Visit fla-keys.com/diving/wrecktrek.

Florida Keys diving information: fla-keys/diving

Florida Keys visitor information: fla-keys.com or 800-FLA-KEYS (352-5397)

Social: Facebook • Twitter • KeysVoices.com • YouTube