Duane

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Duane, originally named the William J. Duane after Secretary of the Treasury under President Jackson, has a rich history. Built at the Philadelphia Navy Yard in Pennsylvania, her keel was laid on May 1, 1935, and she launched on June 3, 1936. Commissioned on August 1, 1936, the Duane measured 327 feet in length, with a 41-foot beam and two Westinghouse double reduction geared turbines powering her. Her formidable armament included three 5-inch guns, three 3-inch guns, fourteen 40-mm guns, and eight 20-mm guns. Initially stationed in California, the Duane was later transferred to the East Coast in 1939. During World War II, she played a significant role, credited alongside her sister cutter Spencer for sinking the German submarine U-175. In 1944, the Duane served as a flagship during the allied invasion of Southern France. Subsequently, she contributed to coastal surveillance efforts during the Vietnam War. One remarkable rescue mission involved the Duane saving 250 survivors from the Dorchester. This heroic operation lasted three days, from February 3rd to the 6th. Additionally, the Duane participated in escorting boats filled with refugees during the 1980s Cuban boat lifts. On August 1, 1985, the Duane was decommissioned. It was then purchased, along with its sister ship, the Bibb, for $160,000. The funds were raised by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and local dive shop donations. After thorough decontamination and removal of hatches, the Duane was intentionally sunk near Molasses Reef—an Army Corps of Engineers approved site—on the evening of November 27, 1987. The Bibb, her sister ship, followed suit the next day, and both wrecks now lie just 100 yards apart. Resting upright and intact, the Duane sits at a depth of 118 feet. Divers can reach her crow’s nest at 60 feet and explore her wheelhouse at 80 feet. The main decks are found at 98 feet, and the bow points southeast. The Clear Gulf Stream sweeps over the site, providing visibility that can reach up to 200 feet, although it typically ranges from 30 to 80 feet. Strong currents are common. Diving the Duane requires advanced training and experience due to the depth and prevailing currents. The wreck has become a dynamic dive site, attracting a diverse array of marine life. According to Mark Christiansen, schools of massive barracuda—some measuring three to five feet in length—are a common sight on almost every dive. Remember that penetrating any shipwreck should be done only by those with proper training, experience, and specialized wreck diving equipment. Essential gear includes powerful dive lights, navigation reels, dive knives, and redundant air supply (such as a pony bottle or doubles).