The Empire Mica was a British tanker that played a role during World War II before meeting its fate in the Gulf of Mexico. Today, it serves as an artificial reef, attracting marine life and divers alike.

Article at a Glance

• History: British tanker sunk by German U-boat U-67 on June 29, 1942, during World War II
• Location: 21 miles south of Cape San Blas, Florida (29° 18.6822′ N, 085° 21.228′ W)
• Depth: Approximately 110 feet (33.5 meters), suitable for advanced divers
• Size: 465 feet long with a 61-foot beam, largely intact despite some Coast Guard bombing
• Marine Life: Home to diverse species including bull sharks, barracuda, snapper, and grouper
• Diving Experience: Offers unique blend of historical significance, marine biodiversity, and advanced diving challenge
• Safety: Requires advanced certification; guided dives and pre-dive briefings recommended for safe exploration

Empire Mica Wreck Location Coordinates and Depth

Depth

Approximately 110 feet (33.5 meters)

Location Coordinates

Coordinates: 29° 18.6822′ N, 085° 21.228′ W

What to Scuba Divers Say About This Wreck

1. Diving Experience: Many divers describe the Empire Mica as a “must-dive” wreck due to its historical importance and the marine life it attracts. The wreck lies at depths between 100 to 115 feet, making it suitable for advanced divers.
2. Historical Context: Divers often note the historical background of the wreck, as it was a British tanker torpedoed during World War II. This adds an intriguing element to the dive, allowing divers to connect with the ship’s past.
3. Marine Life: The wreck has developed into a thriving underwater ecosystem, attracting various marine species. Divers frequently comment on the abundance of fish and other sea life that can be observed around the wreck, enhancing the overall diving experience.
4. Diving Conditions: Reports from divers indicate that while the depth can be challenging, the visibility and conditions are generally favorable, making for an enjoyable dive.

What Kind of Marine Life Can Be Found on The Wreck

• Bull Sharks: Often seen patrolling the area, these sharks are a significant draw for divers.
• Barracuda: Known for their speed and sharp teeth, barracuda are frequently spotted around the wreck.
• Greater Amberjack: This species is commonly found in deeper waters and is known for its size and strength.
• Snapper: Various species of snapper inhabit the wreck, providing vibrant colors and interesting interactions for divers.
• Grouper: These fish are often seen hiding in crevices and are a favorite among anglers due to their size and taste.

Key Information

What Makes Empire Mica a Unique Diving Experience

1. Historical Significance: The wreck is a remnant of World War II, having been sunk by a German U-boat in 1942 while carrying fuel for the Royal Air Force. This tragic history adds a layer of intrigue and respect for divers exploring the site, as they connect with a significant event from the past.
2. Diverse Marine Life: The wreck has become an artificial reef, supporting a vibrant ecosystem. Divers can encounter a variety of marine species, including bull sharks, barracuda, snapper, and grouper. This biodiversity enhances the underwater experience, making each dive unique as divers interact with the thriving marine life.
3. Challenging Depth: Located at depths of approximately 100 to 115 feet, the Empire Mica is suited for advanced divers, which adds to the thrill and challenge of the dive. The remote location, about 60 miles from Panama City, also makes the trip feel more adventurous and exclusive.
4. Complex Structure: The wreckage, although damaged over the years, remains largely intact and provides divers with a fascinating underwater landscape. The towering structures create an exciting environment for exploration, with many areas to investigate, including the remains of the ship’s decks and compartments.
5. Eerie Atmosphere: The story of the Empire Mica, particularly the circumstances of its sinking and the loss of crew members, contributes to an eerie atmosphere that some divers find captivating. Reports of “porthole sightings” and the ghostly history of the wreck add to its allure as a dive site.

What is The Full History of This Wreck

Construction and Purpose

• Built: The Empire Mica was a British standard type ocean tanker, constructed in 1941 for the Ministry of War Transport at Haverton Hill, Teeside, England. It measured 465 feet in length and had a beam of 61 feet.
• Function: The ship was primarily used to transport aviation fuel for the Royal Air Force, playing a critical role in supporting military operations during the war.

Sinking

• Date of Sinking: On June 29, 1942, the Empire Mica was torpedoed by the German U-boat U-67 while traveling in the Gulf of Mexico.
• Circumstances: The tanker was struck by two torpedoes, which caused significant explosions. After being hit, the ship burned for a day as it drifted before ultimately sinking in approximately 110 feet of water, about 21 miles south of Cape San Blas, Florida.
• Casualties: The attack resulted in the loss of 33 crew members, highlighting the dangers faced by merchant vessels during the war.

Aftermath and Current State

• Wreck Site: The wreck of the Empire Mica is now a popular dive site and artificial reef, attracting a variety of marine life, including bull sharks, barracuda, snapper, and grouper.
• Coast Guard Intervention: To mitigate navigation hazards, the U.S. Coast Guard bombed parts of the wreck, particularly the stern and bridge, leading to its current dilapidated state. What remains is a conglomeration of iron that serves as a habitat for marine species.

What Historical Features Can Still Be Identified on Wreck

1. Hull Structure: Portions of the hull remain intact, allowing divers to explore the ship’s former shape and size. The wreck measures approximately 465 feet in length and 61 feet in beam.
2. Stern and Bridge Remnants: Although the U.S. Coast Guard bombed these areas to reduce navigation hazards, some remnants of the stern and bridge can still be identified, providing insight into the ship’s design and construction.
3. Cargo Holds: The wreck contains sections that were once cargo holds, which divers can examine. These areas may still hold remnants of the ship’s cargo, primarily aviation fuel, that it was transporting at the time of its sinking.
4. Marine Growth: The wreck has become a habitat for marine life, with coral and other organisms growing on the structure. This growth not only adds to the visual appeal but also helps preserve the wreck’s features by providing a protective layer.
5. Historical Context: The wreck’s location and the circumstances of its sinking—torpedoed by a German U-boat—are significant historical markers that divers and historians alike recognize when exploring the site.

What Safety Measures Are in Place for Divers Visiting Empire Mica

1. Advanced Certification Requirement: Due to the wreck’s depth (approximately 100 to 115 feet), divers are required to have at least an Advanced Open Water certification. This ensures that all participants have the necessary skills and experience to handle the conditions at this depth safely.
2. Guided Dives: Many dive operators provide experienced guides or divemasters who lead the dives. These professionals are familiar with the wreck and the surrounding environment, helping divers navigate safely and avoid potential hazards.
3. Pre-Dive Briefings: Divers typically receive a thorough briefing before the dive, covering safety protocols, potential hazards, and the dive plan. This preparation helps ensure that divers understand the conditions they may encounter and the best practices for exploring the wreck safely.
4. Emergency Equipment: Dive boats are equipped with emergency oxygen and first aid kits, providing immediate assistance in case of an emergency. Additionally, dive operators often have protocols in place for handling emergencies, including communication with local coast guard services if needed.
5. Weather Considerations: Divers are advised to check weather conditions before embarking on the trip. Dive operators monitor weather patterns and may cancel or reschedule dives if conditions are deemed unsafe, ensuring that divers only proceed when it is safe to do so.
6. Visibility and Current Awareness: Divers are informed about the typical visibility and current conditions at the wreck site, which can change. This information helps divers prepare adequately for the dive and adjust their plans if necessary.

Dive Shops That Prove Diving Trips to This Shipwreck

1. Panama City Diving
   • Rating: 4.9
   • Address: 106 Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
   • Details: Offers Empire Mica charters, requiring advanced certification due to the wreck’s depth of 110 feet.
   • Website: Panama City Diving 
2. Maritime Expeditions of the Forgotten Coast LLC
   • Rating: 5
   • Address: Slip 41, City Docks, Mexico Beach, FL 32456
   • Details: Provides charters to dive the Empire Mica, noted as one of Florida’s must-dive wrecks.
   • Website: Maritime Expeditions 
3. Dive Locker
   • Rating: 4.6
   • Address: 1010 Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
   • Details: Offers various dive trips, including to the Empire Mica.
   • Website: Dive Locker 
4. Discovery Dive World
   • Rating: 4.9
   • Address: 92 S John Sims Pkwy, Valparaiso, FL 32580
   • Details: Provides dive trips in the area, including opportunities to explore the Empire Mica.
   • Website: Discovery Dive World

North Florida Wrecks

• USS Oriskany
• USS Massachusetts
• SS Tarpon
• SS Gulf America
• Empire Mica
• USS Chippewa
• Avocet
• Black Bart