The wreck site includes remnants of the ship’s hull, a ballast mound, and several concrete replicas of cannons and an anchor placed around the site for educational purposes. The underwater preserve allows for public diving and exploration, where visitors can see marine life and the remains of the ship.

Article at a Glance

• Historical Significance: The Urca de Lima is part of the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet that sank during a hurricane, representing a key event in maritime history.
• Location: Situated approximately 200 yards offshore from Fort Pierce, Florida, the wreck lies in shallow waters at a depth of 10-15 feet, making it accessible for divers and snorkelers.
• Preservation Status: Designated as Florida’s first Underwater Archaeological Preserve in 1987, the site is protected to promote education and conservation.
• Visible Features: Divers can explore the ballast mound, remnants of the ship’s hull, and concrete replicas of cannons and an anchor, which enhance the historical context.
• Marine Life: The wreck has become an artificial reef, attracting diverse marine species, including damselfish, wrasse, blue tang, and various invertebrates like sea urchins and lobsters.
• Diving Conditions: The site typically offers calm conditions with visibility reaching up to 50 feet, particularly during the summer months, making it ideal for divers of all skill levels.
• Local Dive Shops: Several dive shops, including Dive Odyssea and Treasure Coast Scuba, offer guided trips to the Urca de Lima, providing equipment rentals and educational resources for visitors.

Urca de Lima Wreck Location Coordinates and Depth

Depth

The site is in relatively shallow water, with a depth of 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters).

Location Coordinates

The wreck site is located at 27°30′19″N 80°17′57″W. Distance from shore: The wreck lies approximately 200 yards offshore.

What to Scuba Divers Say About This Wreck

1. Accessibility: The wreck is very accessible, located just 200 yards offshore in shallow water 10-15 feet deep. This makes it a favorite site for beach divers and snorkelers.
2. Historical significance: Divers appreciate the historical value of the site, as it’s part of the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet and offers a glimpse into colonial maritime history.
3. Marine life: Visitors can expect to see various sea creatures such as sea urchins, sea cucumbers, flounder, wrasse, and blue tang.
4. Visibility: During summer months, visibility can peak at 50 feet, making for good diving conditions.
5. Underwater features: Divers can explore the remains of the hull, a colonial-era anchor, five replica cannons, and a concrete monument with a bronze plaque.
6. Calm conditions: Typically, there is no current at the site, and water temperatures average in the 80°F range, which is comfortable for diving.
7. Educational value: The site is Florida’s first Underwater Archaeological Preserve, offering an opportunity to learn about maritime history and conservation efforts.

What Kind of Marine Life Can Be Found on The Wreck

1. Fish species:

• Damselfish
• Flounder
• Wrasse
• Blue tang

2. Invertebrates:

• Sea urchins
• Sea cucumbers

3. General marine growth:
   The concrete replica cannons placed at the site are now covered in marine growth, giving them the appearance of encrusted naval guns.
4. Coral and reef life:
   Since the wreck is located on the first offshore reef, it’s likely that various coral species and associated reef organisms are present, though specific types are not mentioned in the search results.
5. Seasonal variations:
   The marine life may vary depending on the time of year. Summer months are noted as the best time to visit, with calm seas and visibility peaking at 50 feet.

Key Information

What Makes Urca de Lima a Unique Diving Experience

1. Historical significance: It’s part of the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet, providing divers with a glimpse into colonial maritime history.
2. Accessibility: Located just 200 yards offshore in shallow water 10-15 feet deep, it’s easily accessible for both divers and snorkelers.
3. Florida’s first Underwater Archaeological Preserve: Established in 1987, it set the precedent for other underwater preserves in Florida.
4. Combination of natural and artificial features: The site includes remains of the original hull, as well as concrete replicas of cannons and an anchor placed for educational purposes.
5. Marine life: Visitors can observe various sea creatures such as damselfish, wrasse, blue tang, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers in their natural habitat.
6. Shallow depth: The maximum depth of about 15 feet makes it ideal for beginners and snorkelers, as well as more experienced divers looking for an easy, relaxing dive.
7. Seasonal advantages: Summer months offer calm seas and visibility up to 50 feet, enhancing the diving experience.
8. Educational value: The site provides an opportunity to learn about maritime archaeology and conservation efforts.
9. Artifacts on display: While removal of items from the site is prohibited, artifacts from the wreck can be viewed at nearby museums, adding to the overall historical experience.
10. Community involvement: The preserve was established due to local community efforts, showcasing the site’s importance to the area.

What is The Full History of This Wreck

Construction and Purpose

• Original Name: The ship was originally named Santísima Trinidad and was a Dutch-built merchant vessel weighing 305 tons. It was designed as a cargo ship, referred to as an urca, suitable for transporting goods across the Atlantic.
• Ownership: The ship was owned by Miguel de Lima y Melo, which contributed to its nickname, Urca de Lima.

The 1715 Treasure Fleet

• Voyage: In the summer of 1715, the Urca de Lima was part of an 11-ship flotilla that set sail from Havana, Cuba, carrying valuable cargo from Spanish colonies in the Americas, including chocolate, vanilla, and uncured cowhides.
• Hurricane Disaster: Shortly after departing, the fleet encountered a fierce hurricane, which caused the Urca de Lima to crash onto a shallow reef near what is now Fort Pierce, Florida. The ship was one of several that wrecked during this storm.

Salvage and Concealment

• Initial Salvage: Survivors from the wreck provided provisions to others stranded from the fleet until help arrived from Havana. The Spanish salvaged the Urca de Lima shortly after the wreck but burned the hull to the waterline to conceal its location from English privateers.
• Rediscovery: The wreck remained forgotten until it was rediscovered in 1928 by William J. Beach, leading to a series of salvage operations that continued for decades. However, most of the valuable cargo had already been salvaged by the Spanish in 1715.

Archaeological Significance

• Salvage Operations: The first salvage permit was issued in 1932, but efforts yielded minimal results, primarily due to the absence of royal treasure. Only a few artifacts, such as silver bars and cannons, were recovered.
• Underwater Preserve: In the 1980s, the state of Florida ceased issuing salvage permits and designated the Urca de Lima as the first Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve in 1987. This designation aimed to protect the wreck and promote public education and diving.
• National Register of Historic Places: The wreck was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on May 31, 2001, recognizing its historical and archaeological importance.

Current Status

• Preservation: The remains of the Urca de Lima now consist primarily of a ballast mound that covers the hull timbers. Five concrete replicas of cannons and an anchor have been placed around the site to enhance the educational experience for divers and visitors.
• Diving Site: Today, the wreck is a popular diving destination, located about 200 yards offshore in shallow waters, making it accessible to both divers and snorkelers.

What Historical Features Can Still Be Identified on Wreck

Remains of the Ship

1. Ballast Mound: The primary remnant of the Urca de Lima is a ballast mound measuring approximately 100 feet by 50 feet, which covers the ship’s hull timbers. This mound is a significant indicator of the ship’s structure and provides insight into its construction.
2. Hull Timbers: While the hull itself is largely buried beneath sediments, some timbers may still be visible, representing the wooden construction typical of 18th-century merchant vessels.

Replicas and Artifacts

3. Concrete Replicas of Cannons: To enhance the educational experience and recreate the historical context of the wreck, five concrete replicas of cannons have been placed around the site. These replicas help divers visualize the ship’s armament and its role in maritime trade and defense.
4. Anchor: A concrete replica of an anchor is also positioned near the wreck, serving as a representation of the ship’s anchoring equipment.

Archaeological Significance

5. Underwater Archaeological Preserve: The Urca de Lima is Florida’s first Underwater Archaeological Preserve, established in 1987. This designation protects the site and promotes public education about its historical significance.
6. Historical Context: The wreck is part of the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet, which was caught in a hurricane. The Urca de Lima was involved in aiding survivors from other wrecked ships and was one of the first to be salvaged by the Spanish.

Visitor Experience

7. Diving and Snorkeling Site: The wreck lies in shallow waters (10-15 feet) about 200 yards offshore, making it accessible for divers and snorkelers. The site offers a unique opportunity to explore a significant piece of maritime history while observing marine life that has made the wreck its home.

Preservation Efforts

8. Educational Resources: Laminated underwater guides are available from local dive shops, providing visitors with information about the wreck’s history and features, enhancing the educational experience.

What Safety Measures Are in Place for Divers Visiting Urca de Lima

1. Shallow Depth: The wreck is located in shallow waters, with a maximum depth of about 15 feet. This makes it accessible for both novice and experienced divers, reducing the risks associated with deeper dives.
2. Proximity to Shore: The site is approximately 200 yards from shore, allowing for easy access and a quick return if needed. This is particularly beneficial for divers who may encounter difficulties.
3. Mooring Buoy: A mooring buoy is placed at the site to prevent boats from anchoring directly on the wreck, which helps protect the wreck from damage and provides a clear point for divers to locate the site.
4. Calm Conditions: Typically, there is little to no current at the site, especially during summer months when conditions are most favorable. This enhances safety and visibility, which can reach up to 50 feet.
5. Diving Guides and Resources: Local dive shops, such as Dive Odyssea, provide brochures and guides to assist divers in navigating the site and understanding its historical context. These resources often include safety tips and site information.
6. Community Engagement: The site is part of Florida’s Underwater Archaeological Preserves, promoting responsible diving practices and education about marine conservation and the historical significance of the wreck.
7. Free Admission and Parking: Visitors can access the site without any admission fees, which encourages more divers to explore the wreck while maintaining safety through community involvement and awareness.
8. Weather Considerations: The best time to dive is during summer months when seas are calm, further enhancing safety conditions for divers.

List of Dive Shops That Prove Diving Trips to This Shipwreck

1. Dive Odyssea
   • Location: Fort Pierce, Florida
   • Details: Offers guided dives to the Urca de Lima and other local wrecks.
2. Treasure Coast Scuba
   • Location: Fort Pierce, Florida
   • Details: Specializes in diving trips to the Urca de Lima and other historical sites along Florida’s Treasure Coast.
3. Florida Scuba Divers
   • Location: Fort Pierce, Florida
   • Details: Provides dive charters to the Urca de Lima and offers training for divers of all levels.
4. Jupiter Dive Center
   • Location: Jupiter, Florida
   • Details: While primarily focused on other dive sites, they may offer trips to the Urca de Lima depending on demand.
5. Scuba Works
   • Location: Fort Pierce, Florida
   • Details: Offers dive trips to various wrecks, including the Urca de Lima.

Central Florida Wrecks

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• Hog Heaven
• Urca De Lima
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• United Caribbean
• USS Mindanao
• The Laertes
• Berry Patch Tug Wreck
• The Liberty Ship
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• The Tortuga Wreck
• Princess Ann Wreck (Palm Beach)
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• MG-111 Wreck (Jupiter)
• Lady Luck Wreck (Pompano Beach)
• Rodeo 25 Wreck (Pompano Beach)
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• RSB-1 Wreck (Deerfield Beach)
• Rebel Wreck (Deerfield Beach)
• Noulla Express Wreck (Fort Lauderdale)
• Sucre Wreck (Fort Lauderdale)
• Captain Tony Wreck (Pompano Beach)
• Peter McAllister Wreck (Pompano Beach)
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• Quallman Tugs Wreck (Pompano Beach)
• Miller Lite Wreck (Pompano Beach)