Berry Patch Tug
Wreck · Deerfield Beach also known as wreck trek (deerfield
26° 18.087' N 80° 03.685' W
Advanced Open Water Max 65 ft Avg 60 ft Temporary Line
Today AMPoor
Details
Advanced Open Water
Minimum recommended certification
- Max depth
- 65 ft
- Average depth
- 60 ft
- Access
- Temporary Line
- Sea state today
- AMPoor PMPoor
Video
🎥 ISDC
Pictures 1
Where it is
26° 18.087' N 80° 03.685' W
Next boats to this site 0
No confirmed trips to this site are listed yet.
Operators that dive here
Best Gas
Gas prices
| Diluent tank | $35.50 |
| O2 tank | $10.00 |
atm
atm
Gas prices
| Aluminum 80 | $10 |
| Steel HP 100 | $10 |
| Steel LP 85 | $10 |
NDL at is
24 hr min surface interval
Always use a dive computer
Wreck Details
Sunk August 15th, 1987
Tugboat
65 ftLength
16 ftBeam
Site description
The Berry Patch Tug, originally known as the A.L. Spencer, is a popular dive site located near Deerfield Beach. Built in 1940, this 62-foot long and 16-foot wide tugboat was used to tow barges loaded with sand from the Bahamas to Florida. In 1987, the A.L. Spencer was scuttled and turned into an artificial reef, now resting upright in 70 feet of water.
The wreck is covered with marine growth and is home to a variety of tropical fish, stingrays, eels, lobsters, and the occasional turtle or eagle ray. The wheelhouse is still intact, making it an excellent spot for underwater photography. The site is easily accessible from the Ancient Mariner and is also near the Quallman Barge, providing divers with multiple points of interest in the area.
Whether you're an experienced diver or a beginner, the Berry Patch Tug offers a rewarding and visually stunning underwater adventure. The site's rich marine ecosystem and historical significance make it a favorite among divers in the region.
Route & typical conditions
Route
Local dive operators will VERY rarely deploy a line at this site. Often visited as part of the "Deerfield Beach Wreck Trek" which includes the Ancient Mariner and Qaullmann Barge. This wreck sits only 150 feet east of the Ancient Mariner. The is no much to see in this site and penetration is not possible.
Typical conditions
Conditions vary a lot in this site. Navigation to this wreck from the Ancient Mariner can be a challenge even in good visibility given the prevalent currents in the area (typically north).
Wreck history
Launched in 1940, the Berry Patch Tug, originally known as the A.L. Spencer, is a notable dive site with a rich history. The tugboat, which now serves as an artificial reef, lies with a slight list to port and is in close proximity to several other artificial reefs. The Ancient Mariner is approximately 150 feet to the northwest, while the 40-foot long work boat C‐Note is about 100 feet to the north. Additionally, the 50-foot long houseboat Chuck-A-Luck II is situated approximately 150 feet to the southwest. Both the C‐Note and Chuck-A-Luck II, however, are largely flattened and consist of very low-lying debris that can be hard to locate by divers in less-than-optimal visibility.
The Berry Patch Tug is a remarkable site for divers, offering a glimpse into maritime history while providing a vibrant underwater environment. Over the years, marine life has taken residence in the wreck, making it a popular spot for underwater exploration. The tugboat's intact structure, along with the proximity to other artificial reefs, makes this dive site a compelling destination for both novice and experienced divers.
Divers' uploaded pictures
No diver pictures yet.
