Alexander's Wreck

Alexander's Wreck

Located about five miles to the west of Key West in 25 feet of water, Alexander’s Wreck is considered one of the most popular and easiest wreck dives offshore. The wreck that is known around the region as Alexander’s Wreck was originally a 300-foot U.S. Navy destroyer escort called the USS Amesbury. As a decommissioned U.S. Navy vessel, Chet Alexander Marine Salvage in Key West intended to sink the ship as artificial reef in a deep water location. Enroute to its final destination, the vessel grounded and was unable to be re-floated.

From a hurricane in the early 1960s, Alexander’s Wreck was further broken in half to leave the current 150-yard gap between the bow and stern. Divers who are interested in scuba diving at the wreck site need to be aware that this does present some dangers. The stern of the boat is commonly awash; therefore, it can be hit by other boats and ships in nearby waters. Due to the potential hazards, divers must remain cautious to avoid the jagged metal pieces along the stern.

However, as long as divers proceed with care, Alexander’s Wreck offers unparalleled military history and natural beauty in the Florida Keys. Since the vessel was originally a Navy destroyer escort, divers are able to explore some of the deck guns that still remain visible to this day. Divers may also be lucky enough to spot a variety of different military equipment and historical military artifacts that have now become memorialized in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

While the history adds some keen excitement to the dive site, the main attraction is its abundant marine life that call Alexander’s Wreck home. It is well-known for being a successful breeding ground and protected area in South Florida for helping to increase numbers for the once endangered Jewfish species. Unlike the Cayman Salvager wreck site where there is only one resident Jewfish, this area contains several of the rare species in healthy populations. Because the debris left by the vessel is excellent for marine life, divers often also report swimming with the hogfish, groupers, spadefish, snapper, sheepshead, porkfish, and the glorious angelfish.

Overall, Alexander’s Wreck is a wonderful example of a successful artificial reef for scuba divers looking for adventure in the Keys. It is the perfect diving destination when the Atlantic Ocean is too choppy or rough. Although visibility can be poor at times, it is highly recommended that divers take advantage of being able to explore the naval artifacts and marine life that make this dive site worthwhile.