Compared to older shipwrecks in Florida, Lady Luck offers a more modern, themed diving experience with its casino-inspired artwork. Its size and depth make it suitable for advanced divers, while its unique features and accessibility have quickly made it a signature dive in the area.

Article at a Glance

1. Historical Transformation: Originally named Newtown Creek, the Lady Luck was built in 1967 and served as a sewage sludge tanker for nearly 50 years before being sunk as an artificial reef in 2016.
2. Unique Artistic Features: The wreck is adorned with casino-themed artwork, including giant dice, slot machines, and an octopus dealer, making it a visually engaging dive site.
3. Diving Depth and Structure: The Lady Luck sits upright at depths ranging from 130 to 131 feet, with the main deck located at 100-110 feet, offering divers a chance to explore its extensive structure.
4. Marine Ecosystem: Since its sinking, the wreck has become a thriving habitat for marine life, attracting colorful tropical fish, barracuda, and Goliath Groupers, enhancing the diving experience.
5. Challenging Conditions: Divers should be prepared for strong currents and varying visibility, typically around 40 feet, making it essential for participants to have advanced diving skills.
6. Safety Measures: Safety protocols include requiring advanced open water certification, guided dives, and awareness of current conditions to ensure a safe diving experience.
7. Local Dive Shops: Several dive shops, including AquaLife Divers Inc., Aquatic Ventures, and SCUBA Dive It, offer trips to the Lady Luck, making it accessible for divers looking to explore this unique underwater attraction.

Shipwreck Location Coordinates and Depth

Depth

The shipwreck sits at varying depths:

• The top of the shipwreck’s superstructure is around 85 feet deep.
• The main deck is at about 100-110 feet depth.
• The maximum depth to the sand bottom is 130-135 feet.

Location Coordinates

26° 13.807′ N, 80° 03.807′ W

What Do Scuba Divers Say About This Ship

General Impressions

• Artificial Reef: The Lady Luck is celebrated as one of South Florida’s largest artificial reefs, providing a new habitat for marine life and serving as a popular dive site. Divers appreciate its transformation from a sewage sludge tanker to a vibrant underwater attraction, featuring artistic installations that enhance the diving experience.
• Casino Theme: The wreck is adorned with casino-themed artwork created by local artist Dennis MacDonald, including oversized dice, slot machines, and even an octopus dealer. This creative touch makes the dive not only an exploration of a shipwreck but also an engaging visual experience for divers.

Diving Conditions

• Depth and Visibility: The wreck sits at depths ranging from approximately 85 to 130 feet. Divers have reported variable visibility, often around 40 feet, but conditions can change rapidly due to currents and silt. Strong currents have been noted, which can make the dive more challenging, especially for less experienced divers.
• Current Challenges: Many divers have commented on the strong currents experienced during their dives. Some have described the descent as requiring significant effort to manage the current, especially when trying to navigate to different parts of the wreck. This aspect has made the dive more exhilarating but also demands a higher skill level.

Experience Highlights

• Exploration Opportunities: Divers have enjoyed exploring various parts of the wreck, including the bridge and stern. The bridge area offers shelter from currents, while the main deck showcases the artistic elements. However, reaching the bow can sometimes be difficult due to strong water movement.
• Marine Life: The wreck has attracted a diverse range of marine life, adding to the overall diving experience. Divers have reported encounters with colorful fish and other sea creatures, enhancing the underwater scenery around the wreck.

What Kind of Marine Life Can Be Found on The Ship

Fish Species

The wreck’s structure provides an excellent habitat for various fish species:

• Colorful tropical fish have taken up residence around the ship’s exterior and interior spaces.
• Larger predatory fish are likely attracted to the abundance of smaller fish.

Invertebrates and Corals

As an artificial reef, the Lady Luck is gradually being colonized by marine invertebrates:

• Encrusting organisms are likely beginning to cover the ship’s surfaces.
• Over time, soft and hard corals may start to grow on the structure, further enhancing its role as an artificial reef.

Specific Observations

While the search results don’t provide a detailed list of species, divers have reported:

• Encountering “colorful marine life” making their home in the former sludge tanker.
• The wreck serving as a “haven for marine life,” indicating a diverse ecosystem developing around the structure.

Seasonal Visitors

Depending on the time of year, divers might also encounter:

• Migratory species passing through the area
• Larger pelagic fish attracted to the reef structure

Key Information

What Makes Lady Luck Shipwreck a Unique Diving Experience

Casino Theme

The wreck is adorned with casino-themed artwork created by local artist Dennis MacDonald, including:

• Gigantic dice
• Slot machines
• Card sharks
• Octopus dealers
• A cocktail-serving mermaid

This creative theming provides unique photo opportunities and adds an entertaining element to the dive.

Size and Structure

• At 324 feet long and 50 feet wide, Lady Luck is one of South Florida’s largest artificial reefs.
• The ship sits upright in 130 feet of water, with its superstructure reaching up to about 85 feet deep.
• Divers can explore various parts of the ship, including the bridge, stern deck, and main deck.

Historical Transformation

The Lady Luck has an interesting history:

• Originally named Newtown Creek, it served as a New York City sewage sludge tanker for 50 years.
• In 2016, it was repurposed and sunk as an artificial reef, transforming from a utilitarian vessel to an underwater attraction.

Diving Conditions

• The wreck often experiences strong currents, adding an element of challenge to the dive.
• Visibility can vary, typically around 40 feet, offering divers a dynamic environment.

Marine Life

As an artificial reef, the Lady Luck has become a haven for marine life, attracting various species and contributing to the local ecosystem.

Accessibility

Located about one mile southeast of Hillsboro Inlet, the Lady Luck is relatively accessible for divers, making it a popular destination in the area.

How Does The Lady Luck Compare to Other Shipwrecks in Florida

Size and Depth

• At 324 feet long and 50 feet wide, Lady Luck is one of South Florida’s largest artificial reefs.
• It sits in 130-131 feet of water, with the deck at about 105 feet and the superstructure rising to about 80 feet deep.

Unique Theming

Unlike many other shipwrecks, Lady Luck features:

• A casino theme with underwater art installations
• Artwork created by local artist Dennis MacDonald
• Sculptures including giant dice, slot machines, card sharks, and an octopus dealer

Accessibility and Structure

• Located about 1 mile southeast of Hillsboro Inlet, making it relatively accessible.
• The wreck is prepared for divers to explore 16 staterooms, captain’s deck, galley, engine room, and tanker holding bays.

Historical Transformation

• Originally a New York City sewage sludge tanker named Newtown Creek
• Repurposed and sunk in 2016, giving it a unique history compared to many purpose-sunk military vessels

Diving Conditions

• Known for strong currents, which can make it more challenging than some other wrecks.
• Visibility is typically around 40 feet, which can vary based on conditions.

Marine Life

While specific marine life details aren’t provided in the search results, as a newer artificial reef (sunk in 2016), Lady Luck is described as becoming a “haven for marine life”.

What is The Full History of This Ship

Origin and Early Years

• Built in 1967 by Wiley Manufacturing Company.
• Originally named Newtown Creek.
• Operated as a sludge tanker, affectionately known by New Yorkers as a “Honey Tanker”.

Service as a Sewage Tanker

• Served the City of New York for nearly 50 years.
• Transported 1.2 million gallons of sewage per day.
• Moved sludge from plants without dewatering facilities to those with dewatering capabilities.
• These facilities would convert the sludge into fertilizer pellets.

Decommissioning and Transition

• Decommissioned in the summer of 2014.
• Put up for auction by the City of New York.
• On March 1, 2016, the Ship Wreck Park Foundation of Pompano Beach purchased the vessel.
• The purchase was made possible by donations from Isle Casino Racing and the City of Pompano Beach.

Journey to Florida

• After some delays, the ship was towed from New York on April 18, 2016.
• Arrived in Miami on April 24, 2016.

Transformation and Sinking

• Renamed Lady Luck.
• Artist Dennis MacDonald was commissioned to create casino-themed artwork for the ship.
• On July 23, 2016, the Lady Luck was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef.
• The sinking process took longer than expected, with water gradually pumped in instead of using explosions.
• It took about 30 seconds for the ship to fully submerge once it started sinking.

Current Status

• Now serves as one of South Florida’s largest artificial reefs.
• Sits upright in 130-131 feet of water, with its superstructure rising to about 80-85 feet deep.
• Has become a popular dive site and marine habitat.

What Historical Features Can Still Be Identified on The Lady Luck Wreck

Original Ship Structure

• The bridge, which sits at about 83 feet deep and offers a panoramic view of the ship.
• 16 staterooms that divers can explore.
• The captain’s deck.
• The galley.
• The engine room.
• Tanker holding bays, remnants of its past as a sewage tanker.

Exterior Features

• The Lady Luck logo is visible on each side of the ship’s stack.
• The ship’s “web of pipes and structures” is still present, creating habitats for marine life.
• The main deck, now at 105 feet deep.

Dimensions and Orientation

• The wreck is 324 feet long and 50 feet wide.
• It sits upright in 130-131 feet of water.
• The superstructure rises to about 80-85 feet from the surface.

Historical Transformation Elements

While not original to the ship, these features represent its transformation into an artificial reef:

• A faux casino added to the main deck.
• Underwater art exhibits, including casino-themed sculptures created by artist Dennis MacDonald.

What Safety Measures Are in Place for Divers Visiting the Lady Luck

1. Skill Level Requirements:
   • The Lady Luck is considered an advanced dive, suitable for advanced open water divers or open water divers under direct instructor supervision.
   • Due to the depth, it’s recommended for divers with advanced training or equivalent experience.
2. Depth Considerations:
   • The wreck sits at depths ranging from 80-130 feet, with the main deck at 100-110 feet.
   • Divers need to be aware of and prepared for these deeper depths.
3. Current Awareness:
   • The site is known for potentially strong currents, which can make diving challenging.
   • Dive operators monitor current conditions and may cancel dives if currents are too strong.
4. Equipment Recommendations:
   • Divers are advised to carry signaling devices in case they get swept off the wreck.
   • Audible and visual surface signals are recommended.
5. Dive Planning:
   • Detailed dive briefings are provided before entering the water.
   • Dive operators assess conditions and may set down lines to aid divers in reaching the wreck safely.
6. Guided Dives:
   • Many operators offer guided dives to ensure diver safety and proper navigation of the wreck.
7. Emergency Preparedness:
   • Divers are encouraged to carry safety equipment like dive lights, safety sausages, emergency mirrors, and whistles.
8. Certification and Insurance:
   • Proof of certification and dive insurance may be required.

Dive Shops That Provide Diving Trips to This Shipwreck

1. AquaLife Divers Inc.
   • Address: 2705 N Riverside Dr, Pompano Beach, FL 33062
   • Phone: (954) 231-3483
   • Website: http://www.aqualifedivers.com/
2. Aquatic Ventures
   • Offers trips to Lady Luck wreck
   • Website: https://aquaticventures.com
3. SCUBA Dive It
   • Offers advanced wreck dives to Lady Luck
   • Website: https://www.scubadiveit.com

Central Florida Wrecks

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• Hog Heaven
• Urca De Lima
• USS Rankin
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• United Caribbean
• USS Mindanao
• The Laertes
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• The Liberty Ship
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• The Cities Service Empire
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• The Tortuga Wreck
• Princess Ann Wreck (Palm Beach)
• Okinawa Wreck (Pompano Beach)
• MG-111 Wreck (Jupiter)
• Lady Luck Wreck (Pompano Beach)
• Rodeo 25 Wreck (Pompano Beach)
• Lowrance Wreck (Pompano Beach)
• RSB-1 Wreck (Deerfield Beach)
• Rebel Wreck (Deerfield Beach)
• Noulla Express Wreck (Fort Lauderdale)
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• Captain Tony Wreck (Pompano Beach)
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• Miller Lite Wreck (Pompano Beach)