Cayman Salvage Master

This 187-foot-long, steel-hulled buoy tender, built in 1936, has quite the adventurous past. After becoming derelict, she sank at her dock in the Key West Navy harbor in the late 1970s. The vessel was eventually re-floated, had her superstructure removed, and was sunk again in April 1985 to create an artificial reef. Originally, the plan was to sink the Cayman Salvage Master in deep waters, around 300 feet. However, fate had other plans, and a snapped cable resulted in her going down in just 90 feet of water. Initially landing on her port side, the buoy tender was later righted by the powerful forces of Hurricane Kate. Adding to its colorful history, the Cayman Salvage Master was seized by U.S. government authorities in 1980 while illegally transporting Cubans during the Mariel boatlift. After being towed to Key West, the ship unexpectedly sank, creating what would become a fascinating dive site. Today, the wreck sits abundantly covered in marine life, attracting divers who come to see stingrays, groupers, and arrow crabs among other underwater residents. The shipwreck, with its mix of history and thriving ecosystem, remains a popular spot for underwater photography and exploration. It's a site that captures the imagination and offers a unique glimpse into both human and marine life.