Diver Information

Site Description:  This site is known for its numerous bronze pin hull fasteners and its main feature, a large iron mast, measuring 56 ft long and 2.7 ft wide. The second largest artifact is a metal boom, lying close by to the west of the mast. Around the site there is a variety of other smaller scattered artifacts, such as iron knees, a truss yoke, a mast partner, chain links, a bilge pump handle, a yardarm, bronze drift pins, and copper sheathing fragments.

Location:  Molasses Reef, Upper Keys Region, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Depth:  Bottom depth 27 feet.

Visibility:  Average 50+ feet, with maximum of 100 feet.

Marine Life:  This site is supportive of coral reef structures, attracting a variety of coral, invertebrates, and vertebrates. Where the coral is in great quantity on the end of the mast, many fish species can be observed. The main mast component provides a great benthic habitat for many species within the coral reef ecosystem, and the metal of the mast provides a substrate for coral and other invertebrate growth.

Diver Level: Novice.

Comments: Currents may be moderate due to location on Molasses Reef, but shallow depth and easy access results in minimal hazards.