C-One

Let’s dive into the fascinating history of the C-One, also known as the Christina. This 105-foot-long US Navy steel tugboat has quite a story: Origins and Journey: The C-One was originally built in 1940 and spent most of its time in the Caribbean. Its final destination was Jacksonville, where it awaited repairs. In late 1990, the tug was stripped of its engine and fittings in preparation for scuttling. The Captain Donald Incident: On October 27, 1990, while being towed by another tugboat named Captain Donald, the C-One encountered an unexpected turn of events. The Captain Donald began taking on water approximately five miles southeast of Fort Pierce Inlet. The crew had to abandon ship as the Captain Donald sank, leaving the still-floating C-One behind. Scuttling and Final Resting Place: On November 8, 1990, the Department of Environmental Resources successfully scuttled the C-One at its present location. The wreck now lies in 68 feet of water off Haulover Inlet, forming part of the Sunny Isles Reef Site. It sits on a sandy bottom and rises 25 feet from the ocean floor, listing slightly to its starboard side at a 45-degree angle. Marine Life and Surrounding Wrecks: Portholes, the diesel-electric engine, and door hatches were removed during preparation, limiting options for wreck exploration. Currents have created a hole up to eighty feet deep in the center of the wreck. One of the highlights is the schools of barracuda that often visit the C-One, especially during winter. Nearby wrecks include the tug Lady Carmen to the west, the tug White Coast to the east, and sections of the freighter Conception to the north