Joe’s Tug combines historical intrigue, rich marine biodiversity, and accessible diving conditions, making it a unique and memorable destination for both novice and experienced divers. 

Article at a Glance

• Location and Depth: Joe’s Tug is located approximately 6 miles south of Stock Island, Key West, with GPS coordinates of 24°27.850’N, 81°44.270’W. The wreck lies at a depth of about 65 feet (20 meters).
• Historical Background: Originally a 75-foot steel-hulled shrimp boat, Joe’s Tug was stolen in 1986 and sank in Key West. It was later scuttled in 1989 to create an artificial reef.
• Unique Features: The wreck features an upright structure with accessible areas, including the hull and aft deck. The wheelhouse was significantly damaged by Hurricane Georges in 1998, adding to its historical intrigue.
• Marine Life: Divers can encounter a rich array of marine life, including large moray eels, barracuda, and the famous goliath grouper named Elvis, along with vibrant coral formations and schools of fish.
• Safety Measures: Joe’s Tug is considered beginner-friendly, with good visibility (up to 50 feet) and reinforced structural integrity. Guided dives are available to ensure safety and enhance the experience.
• Night Diving: The wreck offers unique night diving opportunities, where divers can observe nocturnal marine life, such as crabs and lobsters, in a different underwater setting.
• Dive Shops: Several dive shops, including Key West Dive Center, Dive Key West, A Family Fun Dive Shop, and Florida Keys Kayak Tours & Rentals, offer guided trips to Joe’s Tug, ensuring a safe and enjoyable diving experience.

Joe’s Tug Wreck Location Coordinates and Depth

Depth

In terms of depth, the wreck lies at about 65 feet (approximately 20 meters) underwater. 

Location Coordinates

Joe’s Tug, an old steel shrimp cutter, is located approximately 6 miles south of Stock Island, near Key West, Florida. The GPS coordinates for Joe’s Tug are 24°27.850’N, 81°44.270’W.

What to Scuba Divers Say About This Wreck

• Wreck Characteristics: Joe’s Tug is actually an old steel shrimp cutter, not a tugboat as the name suggests. It measures about 75 feet long and is situated upright at a depth of approximately 65 feet. The wreck has been significantly affected by storms, particularly Hurricane Georges, which damaged the wheelhouse and caused parts of the wreck to disintegrate over time.
• Accessibility: The site is suitable for divers of all experience levels. The wreck can be easily accessed, allowing divers to explore the wheelhouse and aft deck. The bow and stern are about 30 feet apart, providing ample opportunity for exploration during a single dive.
• Marine Life: Divers frequently encounter a vibrant array of marine life around the wreck, including large moray eels, barracuda, and goliath grouper. The wreck is also home to schools of fish, such as grunts and sergeant majors, and is surrounded by beautiful coral formations and sponges.
• Visibility and Conditions: The visibility at Joe’s Tug is generally good, often reaching up to 50 feet, making it an excellent site for underwater photography. The current is usually limited, which contributes to a more enjoyable diving experience.
• Night Diving: For those interested in night diving, the wreck offers a different perspective, with nocturnal marine life such as crabs and lobsters becoming more active, adding to the dive’s excitement.

What Kind of Marine Life Can Be Found on The Wreck

• Moray Eels: The wreck is particularly known for its friendly green moray eels, which are often seen around the structure. These eels have become accustomed to divers and are a highlight for many.
• Goliath Grouper: A resident goliath grouper, affectionately named Elvis, is frequently spotted by divers. This large fish adds to the site’s appeal.
• Barracuda: Divers often encounter barracuda swimming around the wreck, adding to the dynamic marine environment.
• Schools of Fish: The wreck is surrounded by schools of various fish, including grunts and sergeant majors, which are commonly seen in the area.
• Coral and Sponges: Joe’s Tug is enveloped in both hard and soft corals, along with large sponges, creating a vibrant underwater landscape that supports a wide range of marine life.
• Invertebrates: The wreck also hosts various invertebrates, which contribute to the biodiversity of the site.
• Night Diving: For those who dive at night, the wreck reveals an even more active marine community, with crabs and lobsters often seen scavenging along the decks.

Key Information

What Makes Joe’s Tug a Unique Diving Experience

Historical Significance

• Misleading Name: Despite its name, Joe’s Tug is not a tugboat but a 75-foot steel-hulled shrimp boat. It was originally intended to be scuttled as an artificial reef off Miami but sank in Key West in 1986 during a theft attempt, adding an intriguing backstory to the dive site.

Accessibility and Structure

• Diving Depth: The wreck rests at about 65 feet (20 meters), making it accessible for novice divers while still offering enough depth for more experienced divers to enjoy.
• Wreck Configuration: The bow and stern of the wreck are approximately 30 feet apart, allowing divers to explore both ends easily. The hull and aft deck are fully accessible, providing ample opportunities for exploration.

Marine Life

• Diverse Ecosystem: Joe’s Tug is teeming with marine life, including large moray eels, barracuda, and the famous goliath grouper named Elvis. The wreck is also surrounded by schools of fish, such as grunts and sergeant majors, enhancing the underwater experience.
• Night Diving: The site becomes even more vibrant at night, with nocturnal creatures like crabs and lobsters emerging, offering a different perspective and experience for divers.

Environmental Features

• Coral and Sponges: The wreck is enveloped by beautiful hard and soft corals, as well as large sponges, creating a visually stunning underwater landscape that attracts divers and photographers alike.

Visibility and Conditions

• Excellent Visibility: The site often boasts visibility of around 50 feet, which is favorable for underwater photography and enhances the overall diving experience.

What is The Full History of This Wreck

Origins and Theft

• Type of Vessel: Contrary to what the name suggests, Joe’s Tug is not a tugboat but a 75-foot steel-hulled shrimp boat.
• Initial Intent: The vessel was originally intended to be scuttled off the coast of Miami to serve as an artificial reef.
• Theft Incident: In 1986, while still docked in Key West, the boat was stolen by a group of local thieves, often referred to as “pirates.” They attempted to tow it away but it sank in the harbor during their getaway, just off the pier in Stock Island’s Safe Harbor.

Refloating and Scuttling

• Refloating: After sinking, Joe’s Tug was refloated and brought back on land for cleaning and preparation for its intended purpose as an artificial reef. This included removing the engine and reinforcing the structure with metal braces to ensure stability when submerged.
• Final Sinking: The wreck was officially scuttled on January 21, 1989, and it was placed upright on the sandy ocean floor at a depth of approximately 65 feet.

Impact of Hurricanes

• Hurricane Georges: In 1998, Hurricane Georges caused significant damage, ripping off the wheelhouse and leading to the disintegration of parts of the wreck.
• Hurricane Irene: The following year, Hurricane Irene further devastated the wreck, breaking it down the middle. Despite these challenges, the reinforced metal structure has helped maintain the wreck’s upright position.

What Historical Features Can Still Be Identified on Wreck

Structure of the Wreck

• Steel-Hulled Shrimp Boat: Joe’s Tug is actually a 75-foot steel-hulled shrimp boat, which is distinct from what its name might suggest. The vessel’s construction materials and design can still be observed, providing insight into its original purpose.
• Accessible Areas: The wreck’s bow and stern are approximately 30 feet apart, allowing divers to explore both ends easily. The hull and aft deck remain accessible, making it possible for divers to navigate through the wreckage.

Damage from Hurricanes

• Wheelhouse Disintegration: The wheelhouse of Joe’s Tug was largely torn off during Hurricane Georges in 1998, and it has since disintegrated into smaller, unrecognizable bits. This damage is a significant feature of the wreck, illustrating the impact of natural forces on marine structures.
• Structural Integrity: Despite the damage, reinforced metal added before the wreck was scuttled has helped maintain its upright position on the ocean floor. This reinforcement is a testament to the efforts made to ensure the wreck would serve as an artificial reef.

Marine Life and Ecosystem

• Abundant Marine Life: The wreck is enveloped in a rich ecosystem, featuring soft and hard coral growth, large sponges, and schools of fish. The presence of large moray eels and a famous goliath grouper named Elvis adds to the site’s unique character.
• Night Diving Features: During night dives, divers can observe small crabs and lobsters that become active, providing a different perspective on the wreck and its inhabitants.

Visual Characteristics

• Coral Formations: The wreck is surrounded by vibrant coral formations, which have developed over the years, enhancing the underwater landscape and offering excellent photographic opportunities.

What Safety Measures Are in Place for Divers Visiting Joe’s Tug

Site Accessibility

• Beginner-Friendly: Joe’s Tug is recognized as one of the best novice wreck dive sites in the Florida Keys, making it accessible to divers of all experience levels. The wreck is located at a manageable depth of approximately 65 feet, allowing for easier navigation.

Structural Integrity

• Reinforced Design: Before being scuttled, the wreck underwent modifications, including the addition of metal braces to enhance its stability. This reinforcement has helped maintain the wreck’s upright position despite damage from hurricanes, ensuring a safer environment for divers.

Visibility and Conditions

• Good Visibility: The site typically offers visibility of around 50 feet, which is beneficial for divers to navigate and explore safely. Clear conditions help prevent accidents and enhance the overall diving experience.

Dive Operations

• Guided Dives: Many dive operators in the area offer guided dives to Joe’s Tug, providing experienced dive instructors who can ensure safety protocols are followed and assist divers in navigating the wreck.

Wreck Diving Experience

• Experience Recommendations: While Joe’s Tug is accessible to all levels, divers are advised to have some wreck diving experience before entering the wreck itself. This recommendation helps ensure that divers are prepared for the unique challenges associated with wreck diving.

Night Diving Precautions

• Night Dive Safety: For night dives, divers are advised to follow specific safety protocols, such as using dive lights and maintaining close proximity to their dive buddy to enhance safety in lower visibility conditions.

Dive Shops That Prove Diving Trips to This Shipwreck

• Key West Dive Center: This shop provides guided dives to Joe’s Tug, catering to both novice and experienced divers. They emphasize the rich marine life and accessibility of the wreck site.
• Dive Key West: Known for its experienced instructors, Dive Key West offers trips to Joe’s Tug as part of their dive packages. They focus on safety and ensuring a memorable diving experience.
• A Family Fun Dive Shop: This dive shop also includes Joe’s Tug in its dive offerings, providing a family-friendly atmosphere for divers of all skill levels.
• Florida Keys Kayak Tours & Rentals: While primarily focused on kayaking, they also offer snorkeling and diving trips to Joe’s Tug, providing a unique perspective on the wreck and its surroundings.

The Keys Wrecks

• USS Duane
• USS Spiegel Grove
• Thunderbolt
• City of Washington
• SS Benwood
• USNS Vandenberg
• Joes Tug
• Cayman Salvage Master