USCG Duane

USCG Duane: Planning to go to the Florida Keys scuba diving? Then look no further…

Florida Keys scuba diving gets no better than the USCG Duane…

USCG DuaneThe USCG cutter Duane was deliberately sunk outside of the reef line approximately 1 mile south of Molasses Reef. She was sunk in 120ft of water, to create an artificial reef.
Without doubt this artificial reef is one of the world’s best wreck dives.

This area can have strong currents and is therefore for advanced Scuba divers with wreck-diving experience, even local Florida Keys scuba diving experts comment on some of these currents and planning is a must.

This ship had to be sunk in these deep waters to ensure there was no conflict with local navigation.

As a result of the controlled sinking, The Duane sits upright on the sandy bottom in 36m (120 feet) of water.

Visibility is an amazing 30m (100feet) in these waters and on clear days the outline of the hull can be seen from far above.

The hull structure of this wreck is intact, complete with ladders, ports, rudders, railings, and screws.

If you go to Florida Keys scuba diving, and visit this wreck you will see it is covered in orange cup coral and the area is full of the most amazing and dazzling fish and wildlife.

USCG Duane Interesting Facts

  • Built 1936
  • 329ft cutter
  • Florida patrol boat 1940’s
  • Served as flagship in Normandy invasion 1944
  • Patrol boat in Vietnam 1957 – 1968
  • One of the boats on duty controlling 125000 Cuban refugees in 1980
  • Attended numerous rescue missions
  • Decommissioned August 1st 1985
  • Was the oldest active service U.S. military vessel
  • Intentional sunk November 27 1987 to create an artificial reef

Key Largo Scuba Videos

One of the attractions of Florida Key scuba diving is that you will be able to take underwater photographs or underwater videos such as the one below. With excellent light and clear waters you will be able to get some excellent shots.

This video was taken at USCG Duane and it shows you these wrecks have developed into artificial reefs, and you get an idea of what to expect diving off the Florida coast (Press the button second right on the bottom of the video player to see it in full screen)…

USCG Duane - TerenceTerence’s Log

USCG Duane
Depth: 18-39m (60-130ft)
Visibility: 18-36m (60 – 120ft)
Wreck Dive
Plenty of fish
Advanced
Snorkeling: No

I love Florida Keys scuba diving and I thoroughly enjoyed this wreck dive although it was difficult at times with the strong current

Before sinking her hatches were opened, decks and rooms deliberately left open and the holds pumped full of water to sink her. This has left plenty of access points for exploration. I’m glad I had taken my dive-light with me, a necessity to explore the interior thoroughly.

The local fish were a delight to see, goliath grouper, amberjack, barracuda and cobia.

I didn’t see them myself but others did see some bull sharks during our afternoon descent

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