Eidsvag Triangle

The Eidsvag Triangle derives its name from the primary wreck at the site: the 150-foot-long (45.5-meter) Eidsvag, a British-built coastal freighter intentionally sunk as an artificial reef in 1985. Other wrecks in the triangle include Murphy’s Barge, a 120-foot-long (36.5-meter) flat-bottom barge, and the remains of a 1967 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow donated by Greg Hauptner, a Palm Beach County hairdresser. These three artificial reefs lie close to one another on a sand and rubble seafloor, reaching depths between 82 and 87 feet (25 and 26.5 meters). Murphy’s Barge, also known as Phillip’s Barge, is the southernmost wreck. Although the barge offers no penetration opportunities, divers often spot a green moray eel on its hull, which is partially colonized by corals and sponges. The Eidsvag’s bow sits northwest of the barge. Scuttled in 1985 using 110 pounds of explosives, the Eidsvag was the first significant contribution to Palm Beach County’s artificial reef program. The freighter goes by various names, including Eidsvag and Owens, reflecting the involvement of County Commissioner Jerry Owens, who acquired it at auction for $9,500. Despite its deterioration over time, the Eidsvag hosts a variety of reef fish species, including black margates, grey snapper, angelfish, and grunts. Goliath grouper seek shelter among the heavily colonized corals and sponges on the wreck’s surface. Unfortunately, there are no penetration opportunities due to structural decay. Lastly, the vintage 1967 Rolls Royce lies northeast of the barge, reduced to wheel wells, an engine block, steering wheel, and rear chassis. Although its high-class origins are no longer evident, it remains a unique part of the Eidsvag Triangle’s underwater landscape. Greg Hauptner, an avid diver and part of the Palm Beach diving community, felt a mix of disappointment and curiosity when neighboring Broward County acquired the Mercedes I for sinking as an artificial reef to the south. The Mercedes I had achieved celebrity status while stranded on a stretch of Palm Beach County’s affluent coastline.