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Aerial Photos of Reef
| MileMarker: | 105 |
| Location: | Lat 25 03.16 Long 80 20.02 5 nm offshore; From pile at French Reef, travel NW toward a Red Nun buoy for 1 ½ mi. Wreck is halfway between pile and buoy; macrowave tower on 312° bearing |
| Markers: | Mooring buoys B1-4 |
| Depth Range: | 25 to 55 feet deep |
| Skill Level req.: | beginner to intermediate |
| Risks/Warnings: | moderate current |
| History | |
| The Benwood was a freighter, built in 1910. She was 360 feet long with a 51 foot beam. After years of uneventful service, she fell victim to WW II on April 6, 1942. There are various stories regarding her demise. It is certain that the Benwood had left Tampa, FL enroute around the tip of Florida headed for Norfolk, Virginia, with a final destination of Liverpool, England. She was running Northward without lights, due to German U-boat activity. Also running without lights was the 544 foot tanker Robert C. Tuttle, which was headed Southwards. Both vessels were off their prescribed courses and collided in the dark. The Benwood's captain tried to beach the vessel but could not maneuver sufficiently. The Benwood sank 1 1/2 miles north of French Reef. There is dispute as to whether a U-boat torpedoed the Benwood before or after the collision. She was used for target practice by the US military in the 1950s, but was eventually dynamited to eliminate the navigational hazard she posed. | |
| Dive Description | |
| The Benwood sits upright in 50 feet of water. The hull is intact, albeit heavily damaged by the collision and subsequent demolitions by the US Navy. Boats should tie off to one of the four bouys. This spectacular dive can be enjoyed by nearly all skill levels of diver. The steel wreckage provides a protective maze in which thrive large numbers of fish. The metal sides are coated with coral and sponges. Huge stoplight parrotfish sleep on the wreck, adding to a fantastic night dive experience. Begin the dive near the bow at 45 feet. Look under the bottom of the hull for moray eels, lobster, and nesting jawfish. Several large grouper and snook call the Benwood home. There are a variety of simple penetration options, but no real penetration is possible. About 100 feet away from the Benwood, along the ledge that runs offshore from the bow, a large anchor from an unidentified wreck rises from the sand. Overall, the Benwood is a fantastic dive for novice divers, and an excellent night dive for the more experienced. For further information, visit this link: Indiana University-Benwood Info |
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| Divesite info by: Jonathan Brinkman | |
Divelog for The Benwood - Wreck
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