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Caicos Express

Wreck · Pompano Beach

26° 12.502' N 80° 03.663' W

Technical Hypoxic Trimix Technical Hypoxic Trimix Max 240 ft Avg 220 ft Hot Drop Today AMPoor

Details

Technical Hypoxic Trimix
Minimum recommended certification
Max depth
240 ft
Average depth
220 ft
Access
Hot Drop
Sea state today
AMPoor PMPoor

Video

🎥 ISDC

Where it is

26° 12.502' N 80° 03.663' W

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Operators that dive here

Best Gas

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atm
ft
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Gas prices
Aluminum 80 $10
Steel HP 100 $10
Steel LP 85 $10

Wreck Details

Sunk November 12, 1985
Freighter
188 ftLength
29 ftBeam

Site description

The Caicos Express, a freighter intentionally scuttled off South Florida, now lies 240 feet beneath the surface, settling into the seabed within two minutes of the detonation of scuttling charges.

Route & typical conditions

Route

Its structure includes a stern wheelhouse, an engine room, and spacious forward cargo holds, mirroring many other sunken freighters repurposed as artificial reefs in the region. Among the scattered debris on its deck and within its holds are large spools of thick cable, likely the only remaining cargo visible on the wreck. Notably, the following year, Broward County also submerged 160 pari-mutuel betting machines approximately 200 feet from the wreck site, further enriching the area's underwater ecosystem and attractions for divers.

Typical conditions

Divers may encounter a wide range of surface currents ranging from light to strong. However, at greater depths, the current tends to be minimal. Due to the depth and particulate matter in shallower waters, visibility can be limited. Divers should carry both a primary and secondary torch for illumination. If you’re capturing photographs, using flash or video lights is essential. As you descend toward the wreck, you might pass through thermoclines—distinct layers of water with varying temperatures. These can create interesting transitions as you explore. Surface waters in summer can reach up to 87°F (30.6° C), but the temperature around the wreck may drop significantly. Prepare for water temperatures in the low 60s° F (15-18° C).

Wreck history

Caicos Express historic photo
The vessel originally launched from the shipyard of C. Amels and Zoon in Makkum, Netherlands, on July 12, 1956, under the name Aalborg. After several ownership changes, including being sold to Greek owners Palships Limited and renamed Paleoupolis in March 1974, and later to Cox Shipping Line, Limited in the Turks and Caicos Islands, where it was renamed Caicos in 1981, the ship had a varied career. Beyond its cargo hauling duties, it gained additional fame by appearing in four episodes of the television series "Miami Vice". Eventually, Broward County and the Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo acquired and prepared the freighter for its final purpose: sinking it as an artificial reef.

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