Zion Train

The Zion Train, identified by its IMO number 5258456, embarked on its maritime journey from the shipyard of G.J. van der Werff in Westerbroek, Netherlands, on October 27, 1961. Completed on December 27, 1961, under the name “Novel,” it belonged to owners Arend Brouwer and Frederik Galenkamp of Delfzijl. This sturdy coaster measured 164.2 feet in length, 26.3 feet in width, and displaced 400 gross tons. Throughout its career, the Dutch cargo ship underwent a series of transformations. Here’s a glimpse into its name-changing voyage: Plancius Era: On September 3, 1974, the vessel was sold to H. Haveman of Hoogeveen, Netherlands. Under new ownership, it became the Plancius. Argo T. and Monique: Following another sale on May 27, 1988, it sailed as Argo T. Scheepvaartonderneining N.V. In 1993, Monique Shipping Corporation of Belize acquired the freighter, renaming it Monique. Two years later, it operated as Ines I for Belizean owners. The Vanderpool Express and Cocaine Smuggling: Benjamin Darvil, Incorporated of Belize purchased the coaster in July 1996. Allegedly controlled by Savil and Yolene Dessaint, the freighter played a clandestine role in smuggling nearly 900 pounds of cocaine each month from Haiti to South Florida. Tragically, the Vanderpool Express became the scene of a murder investigation when the captain and four crew members were killed while moored along the Miami River on July 14, 1997. Fidele Express and Miami Beach Grounding: In August 1997, the freighter was sold to Honduran owners, who renamed it Fidele Express. However, on October 13, 1997, disaster struck as the Fidele Express grounded on Miami Beach during a storm. Its anchor had broken loose. After costly repairs totaling over $100,000, the vessel was eventually refloated and towed up the Miami River. The Zion Train Emerges: Despite the financial burden, the owners abandoned the ship, which was later seized by U.S. Marshals and subsequently sold to a local salvage firm. In 2000, the freighter found new life and was registered as the Zion Train by its fresh owners, the Association Industriale Haitien of San Lorenzo, Honduras. The rusting freighter Zion Train was ultimately purchased and cleaned by Palm Beach County at a cost of $25,000. On June 2, 2002, the former Dutch coaster was scuttled in 90feet of water off Jupiter. Originally resting upright and intact, Hurricane Frances ravaged the freighter in 2005, breaking it in half and moving the bow well over a mile south from its initial position. The bow now rests hard over on her port side, while the stern section, firmly embedded in the limestone bottom, lists to starboard. The stem section and collapsed cargo holds are located just south of the 55‐foot long, upside‐down barge Miss Jenny and the 146‐foot long tanker Esso Bonaire III. This trio of wrecks is known to attract significant numbers of Goliath grouper during their annual spawning season in late August through September.