Proteus

The Proteus, a 220-foot freighter, was intentionally sunk in the Key Biscayne Artificial Reef Site on January 24, 1985. This site offers one of the shallower wreck dives in South Florida, resting at only 72 feet of water with a relief of at least 30 feet (the top deck is at 50 feet). It’s an excellent opportunity for novice wreck divers and serves as an introduction to Miami’s remarkable collection of artificial reefs. Originally a ferry boat on the Great Lakes, the Proteus later carried freight and supplies between the Caribbean islands. Most of its superstructure was removed to maximize cargo space, but financial struggles led to bankruptcy in 1980. The freighter languished on the Miami River for five years, behind Bud’s Auto Parts on 34th Avenue. During its time as Bud’s garbage barge, thousands of license plates were thrown into the ship from the auto shop. While most plates have been salvaged by sport divers as souvenirs, you might still find one lying in the hold to this day. In late 1984, the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) expressed interest in obtaining and sinking a ship. They discovered the Proteus through Ben Mostkoff, then Director of Miami-Dade County’s Artificial Reef Program. Volunteers cleaned and prepared the ship to ensure its environmental safety before sinking it. Resting on a sandy bottom not far from the popular Biscayne wreck, the Proteus was broken into several large pieces by Hurricane Andrew in 1992. The wider spread of structure has attracted more marine life, including moray eels, schooling grunts, barracudas, angelfish, and occasional groups. It remains a fascinating dive site for both beginning wreck divers and those with slightly more experience.