Sylvania Express

Launched in 1966 from the Flensburg shipyard in Germany by Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft, this 196.8-foot-long vessel had a beam of 34.2 feet and a gross displacement of 299 tons. Over the years, it underwent several name changes and ownership transitions. In 1973, the ship was sold to Nico Kähler of Kiel, Germany, and renamed Tiger. Later, Danish owners P.R. Korsor, P. Jorgensen, and Company acquired it, and it sailed as Anna Nova. In 1990, Rederiet Cito LS. purchased the vessel, renaming it Cito. Subsequently, Panamanian owners Interocean Shipping International took over, rebranding it as Dimar B. Finally, it came under the ownership of A. Valburn of Belize and sailed as Sylvina Express II. However, the Sylvina Express made headlines when an anonymous tip led US Customs Service agents to search its masts after it arrived in the Miami River from Cap-Haitien, Haiti, in November 1999. Their search revealed a staggering 832 pounds of cocaine concealed in plastic-wrapped bricks. In 2000, the freighter was put up for auction, and ultimately, it was scuttled as an artificial reef off Palm Beach on July 18, 2003. Today, the Sylvina Express rests upright and intact in approximately 280 feet of water, with portions rising over 40 feet from the ocean floor. Diving enthusiasts with Advanced Trimix certification can explore this remarkable wreck and witness a piece of maritime history firsthand!