Ultra Freeze

Launched in 1959 at the Hamburg, Germany shipyard of J.J. Siet as the Schifiwerfl for Heinrich C. Horn, the vessel changed ownership multiple times. In 1965, it was sold to the Hamburg South American Line, followed by a transfer to United Trans-Caribbean Navigation, Incorporated of Panama in 1968. Further sales occurred in subsequent years. In September 1983, after being sold to Carpentaria S.A. of Panama, a survey in Guayaquil, Ecuador revealed that the Ultra Freeze was in poor condition. Despite this, the owners loaded the freighter with 200 tons of shrimp and set sail for Miami. However, on December 16, 1983, the Ultra Freeze docked in Panama for repairs, which were never fully completed. It eventually arrived in Miami with badly decomposing shrimp, resulting in a significant loss. The vessel’s name history reflects its journey: from Herbert Horn (1959) to Mary B (1968) and finally Ultra Freeze (1970). As a diving site, the wreck of the Ultra Freeze now rests approximately 120 feet underwater. Hurricane Andrew caused substantial damage in 1992, ripping open the starboard side of the hull, bending the hull 90 degrees at amidships, and stripping the pilothouse. Divers can explore the interior, but caution is necessary due to fallen electrical cables and general deterioration. Unfortunately, visibility in the area is often chronically turbid.