Captain Dan

Let’s delve into the fascinating history of the Hollyhock Class coastwise tender, later known as Captain Dan. The U.S. Lighthouse Service designed this vessel in 1934. On March 25, 1937, it was launched at the Defoe Boat and Motor Works in Bay City, Michigan. Its purpose included construction and repair work, tending navigation aids, and supplying remote light stations. In 1939, the U.S. Coast Guard absorbed the U.S. Lighthouse Service, and the ship continued its service in the Great Lakes region. By 1962, it had been transferred to its final station in Miami. Over the next two decades, it served along the South Florida coast and at U.S. facilities in the Bahamas and Cuba. The vessel received commendations for its service in World War II, Korea, and participation in the Mariel Boat Lift. However, by 1980, an evaluation revealed the vessel’s poor condition, necessitating extensive maintenance. Budget constraints led to its eventual decommissioning. On March 14, 1982, it was tied up for the last time, and on March 31, 1982, it was officially decommissioned. In November 1982, the former buoy tender was sold to a missionary. Unfortunately, mechanical problems caused the Good News Missionship to become stranded and slowly sink in the Miami River. Abandoned, it was later acquired by the Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo for use as an artificial reef. The vessel underwent several name changes: Hollyhock (1934) WAGL-220 (1939) Good News Missionship (1982) Captain Dan (Divesite) As a dive site, Captain Dan is popular in Broward County. Its superstructure invites exploration, and a large hatch on the forward deck leads divers inside. Since deployment, abundant gorgonian colonies and other encrusting organisms have colonized the wreck. The large vessel offers significant relief for divers