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| MileMarker: | 0 |
| Location: | 6 miles S of Key West; 1 mile SW of the Nine Foot Stake |
| Markers: | n/a |
| Depth Range: | 60 to 90 feet deep |
| Skill Level req.: | advanced |
| Risks/Warnings: | strong currents, depth, possible penetration |
| History | |
| The Cayman Salvage Master was built in 1936. She is 187-feet long, with a beam of 37 feet. Originally a Coast Guard buoy tender, she also served as cable layer and a freighter. She transported Cuban refugees during the Mariel boatlift in 1979, resulting in her seizure by the US government. While awaiting her fate at dock in Key West, she sank. After raising her, she was designated for sinking in 300 feet of water as a sport fisherman attraction. In August, 1985, she was being towed enroute to her designated resting spot when she sank prematurely, landing in 90 feet of water on her port side. Later in 1985, Hurricane Katrina kindly righted her. | |
| Dive Description | |
| In preparation for her sinking, the Cayman Salvage Master was stripped and cleaned. Her doors and entanglements were removed and opennings were blasted to open the boat to free flow. This enabled total wreck penetration, even through the engine room. Given the depth and the quality of the exterior, penetration is not recommended, except on return dives to the site. The large cable spool dominates the bow section, attracting schooling silversides and predatory bar jacks. The superstructure was removed prior to sinking. A 200-pound jewfish reportedly lives on this wreck. Several 6-foot moray eels are also commonly seen. |
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| Divesite info by: Jonathan Brinkman | |
Divelog for Cayman Salvager wreck
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