Florida Scuba Diving

South Florida Wrecks

Mercedes I Shipwreck Fort Lauderdale Florida

Posted by

Steve

–

7 October 2024

Table of Contents

Mercedes 1 Wreck

The Mercedes I is a popular dive site with an interesting modern history, it lacks the historical significance, treasure, and archaeological value of Florida’s older shipwrecks from the colonial era. However, its accessibility and relatively intact structure make it a unique and enjoyable dive experience in its own right.

Article at a Glance

Historical Journey: Originally built in 1951 as the Jacob Rusch, the ship underwent several name changes before becoming the Mercedes I, serving as a coastal freighter.
Famous Grounding: In November 1984, the ship gained notoriety when it ran aground on a Palm Beach socialite’s property, leading to a media frenzy.
Sinking as an Artificial Reef: The Mercedes I was intentionally sunk on March 30, 1985, off Fort Lauderdale to create an artificial reef, attracting marine life and divers alike.
Current Condition: The wreck lies at a depth of 97 feet (29.5 meters) and has suffered significant storm damage, resulting in a twisted structure with large gaping holes.
Diverse Marine Ecosystem: The wreck has become a thriving habitat for various marine species, including barracuda and lobster, making it a popular dive site.
Diving Experience: The site offers advanced diving opportunities with average visibility of 20 meters (65 feet), but divers should be cautious of potential entanglement and unstable structures.
Accessibility: Several local dive shops in Fort Lauderdale provide trips to the Mercedes I, allowing divers to explore this unique underwater site.

Shipwreck Location Coordinates and Depth

Depth

The wreck has a relief (height off the bottom) of 30 feet (9 meters).
The depth range for diving this wreck is 60-100 feet.

Location Coordinates

Latitude: 26° 09.370′ N
Longitude: 80° 04.513′ W

Mercedes 1 Dive Map

What Do Scuba Divers Say About This Ship

Dive Site Description

Divers describe the Mercedes I as:

A 194-foot long freighter with a 30.6-foot beam, lying in 97 feet of water off Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The wreckage is twisted into two pieces with large gaping holes.
The midship section has collapsed, except for some visible gasoline truck bodies.
Penetration of the wreck is considered tricky, with warnings about potential entanglement.

Diving Experience

Despite the damage to the wreckage, divers report that it is still a “great fish haven”.The wreck is suitable for:

Underwater photography
Wreck diving

Divers note the following conditions:

Limited current
Visibility ranging from 10-30 meters, with an average of 20 meters
Salt water environment

Marine Life

Divers can expect to see various marine life around the wreck, including:

Barracuda
Lobster

Historical Interest

Many divers are drawn to the Mercedes I not just for its underwater features, but also for its “colorful history”. The wreck gained fame when it ran aground on a Palm Beach socialite’s property in 1984, creating a media frenzy before it was eventually sunk as an artificial reef in 1985.

Diving Practicalities

The wreck is accessible by boat, with a typical travel time of about 30 minutes.
It’s considered suitable for underwater photography and wreck diving.
Divers are advised to be careful of passing pleasure boats in the area.

What Kind of Marine Life Can Be Found on The Ship

Fish Species

Barracuda: These predatory fish are frequently spotted around the wreck.

Crustaceans

Lobster: The wreck provides excellent shelter for lobsters, making it a popular spot for divers to observe these crustaceans.

General Marine Ecosystem

While not specifically mentioned in the search results, shipwrecks like the Mercedes I typically become artificial reefs that support a diverse ecosystem. Divers often report seeing:

Various reef fish species
Coral and sponge growth on the wreck’s structure
Occasional visits from larger pelagic species

Wreck as a Fish Haven

Despite the damage to the wreckage over the years, it is still described as a “great fish haven”. This suggests that the wreck continues to attract and support a variety of marine life, making it an interesting site for underwater photography and marine life observation.

Key Information

Attribute	Details
Name	Mercedes I
Type	Freighter/Cargo Ship
Length	194 feet (59 meters)
Beam	30.6 feet (9.33 meters)
Depth	97 feet (29.5 meters)
Location	Off Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Coordinates	26° 09.370′ N, 80° 04.513′ W
Date Sunk	March 30, 1985
Purpose	Artificial Reef
Original Build	1951/1952 in Hamburg, Germany
Original Name	Jacob Rusch
Current Condition	Broken into two pieces, collapsed midship
Notable Features	Visible gasoline truck bodies, large gaping holes
Marine Life	Barracuda, lobster, various reef fish
Dive Difficulty	Advanced (due to depth and structure)
Visibility	Average 20 meters (65 feet)
Hazards	Potential entanglement, unstable structure

Mercedes 1 Wreck

What Makes The Mercedes I shipwreck a Unique Diving Experience

Historical Significance

The Mercedes I has a colorful history that adds intrigue to the dive:

Originally built in 1951 as a coastal freighter named Jacob Rusch
Gained international fame in 1984 when it ran aground on a Palm Beach socialite’s property, creating a media frenzy
Sunk as an artificial reef on March 30, 1985 off the coast of Fort Lauderdale

Wreck Structure

The current state of the wreck provides an interesting exploration:

194-foot long freighter with a 30.6-foot beam
Twisted into two separate pieces due to hurricane damage over the years
Large gaping holes and a collapsed midship section
Visible gasoline truck bodies in some areas
Offers opportunities for brief penetration dives, though caution is advised due to entanglement risks

Marine Ecosystem

The wreck has become a thriving artificial reef:

Described as a “great fish haven”
Home to various marine life, including barracuda and lobsters
Supports coral and sponge growth

Diving Conditions

Lies at a maximum depth of 97 feet (29.5 meters)
Has a relief (height off the bottom) of 30 feet (9 meters)
Generally experiences limited current
Offers visibility ranging from 10-30 meters, with an average of 20 meters

Location and Accessibility

Located off the coast of Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Part of a cluster of wrecks in the area, with other sites nearby
Accessible by boat, typically a 30-minute trip

Photography Opportunities

The combination of the wreck’s structure, marine life, and generally good visibility makes it an excellent site for underwater photography.

How Does The Mercedes I Compare to Other Shipwrecks in Florida

Historical Significance

Unlike many of Florida’s older shipwrecks, the Mercedes I is a relatively modern vessel:

Sunk in 1985 as an artificial reef, compared to historic wrecks from the colonial era
Lacks the treasure and historical artifacts found in Spanish galleons or colonial-era ships

Origin and Purpose

The Mercedes I has a unique backstory:

Originally a coastal freighter, not a treasure ship or military vessel
Gained fame from running aground on a socialite’s property before being sunk intentionally
Serves as an artificial reef rather than being an accidental wreck

Accessibility and Condition

Compared to older wrecks, the Mercedes I offers:

Relatively intact structure, despite storm damage over the years
Easier accessibility at 97 feet depth, compared to some deep-water historical wrecks
Good visibility and diving conditions, making it popular for recreational divers

Marine Life

While the Mercedes I supports a thriving ecosystem, it differs from older wrecks:

Younger artificial reef compared to centuries-old wrecks that have become established ecosystems
Lacks the historical marine growth and coral formations found on much older wrecks

Archaeological Value

The Mercedes I offers less archaeological significance:

No historical artifacts or treasures to recover
Limited research value compared to colonial-era wrecks that provide insights into historical trade and naval technology

What is The Full History of This Ship

Early History

Originally built in 1951 or 1952 by Herbert Ranke’s shipyard in Cranz-Neuenfelde (Hamburg), Germany
Initially named Jacob Rusch and operated as a coastal freighter
Renamed several times:
- 1963: Sold to Otto Nagel of Lübeck and renamed Rosita Maria
- 1968: Sold to Heinz Georg Vöge of Hechthausen and renamed Rita Vöge
- 1976: Sold to a Panamanian company and given its final name Mercedes I

Later Operations

Eventually sold to a Venezuelan shipping firm, Distribudora Navieras del Caribe S.R.L.
Operated as a 194-foot long freighter with a 30.6-foot beam

Famous Grounding Incident

November 23, 1984: Broke from its mooring during a storm and ran aground in Palm Beach, Florida
Crashed into the seawall of Palm Beach socialite Mollie Wilmot’s home, nearly going into her pool
The 12-man crew safely evacuated, and the vessel’s owner abandoned the ship
The grounding created a media frenzy due to its location on one of the most expensive stretches of beach

Salvage and Preparation for Sinking

March 6, 1985: After several unsuccessful attempts over three months, salvage crew from Don Jon Marine Company managed to pull the ship off the beach during a strong lunar high tide
The salvage operation cost $223,000 from a Federal fund
The ship was then purchased for $29,000 by the Broward County Environmental Control Board
Prepared for sinking as an artificial reef

Sinking as an Artificial Reef

March 30, 1985: Sunk off the coast of Fort Lauderdale to create an artificial reef
20,000 spectators watched the sinking, including Mollie Wilmot from the Goodyear Blimp
The ship was detonated to sink it to its final resting place

Current State

Lies at a maximum depth of 97 feet (29.5 meters) off the coast of Fort Lauderdale
Over the years, storms have significantly impacted the once-intact structure:
- Large sections have collapsed
- Portions of the hull have been scattered in the surrounding sand
Despite the damage, it remains a popular dive site and “great fish haven”
Part of a cluster of wrecks in the area, with other wrecks like the Jay Scutti, Tracy, and Merci Jesus located nearby

Mercedes 1 Ship

What Historical Features Can Still Be Identified on the Mercedes I Wreck

Ship Structure

The wreck is twisted into two separate pieces, likely due to storm damage over the years.
Large gaping holes are visible in the structure.
The midship section has collapsed, though some parts remain intact.

Specific Identifiable Features

Gasoline truck bodies: These are still visible in the collapsed midship section.
Hull sections: Portions of the hull have been scattered in the surrounding sand due to storm damage over time.

Dimensions

The wreck’s original dimensions can still be observed:
- Length: 194 feet (59 meters)
- Beam: 30.6 feet (9.33 meters)

Depth and Position

The wreck lies at a maximum depth of 97 feet (29.5 meters).
It has a relief (height off the bottom) of 30 feet (9 meters).
The wreck rests upright on the seafloor.

Historical Context

While not physical features, divers can appreciate:

The wreck’s position as an artificial reef, intentionally sunk in 1985.
Its location off the coast of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

What Safety Measures Are in Place for Divers Visiting the Mercedes I

Depth awareness: The wreck lies at a maximum depth of 97 feet (29.5 meters), with a relief of 30 feet (9 meters) off the bottom. Divers need to be aware of these depths and plan their dive profiles accordingly.
Penetration caution: The wreck description notes that “Penetration is tricky, watch out for entanglement.” This warns divers to be extremely cautious if attempting to enter the wreck, due to potential hazards inside.
Structural damage awareness: Over the years, storms have significantly impacted the wreck, causing large sections to collapse and portions of the hull to scatter. Divers should be aware of the unstable nature of the structure.
Boat traffic warning: The dive site information specifically warns that “Pleasure boats can pass at Mercedes Wreck. Be careful.” This alerts divers to be cautious of boat traffic, especially during ascent and descent.
Recommended training: While not explicitly stated for this wreck, many dive sites have recommended minimum training levels for wreck diving.
Dive planning: The site provides important information like average visibility (20 meters), current conditions (limited), and marine life presence, allowing divers to plan their dives appropriately.
Boat dive protocols: As this is a boat dive, standard safety measures for boat diving would apply, such as having a dive flag, proper entry and exit procedures, and surface support.
Buddy system: As with all diving, the buddy system would be in effect for added safety.

Dive Shops That Provide Diving Trips to This Shipwreck

Sea Experience
- Located at 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Phone: (954) 770-3483
- Website: http://www.seaxp.com/
- Offers scuba diving trips and regular classes
American Dream Dive Charters
- Located behind the Hilton on 17th Avenue, just south of downtown Fort Lauderdale
- Operates a Newton Dive Boat
South Florida Diving Headquarters
- While not explicitly mentioned as offering trips to Mercedes I, this company provides information about the wreck and likely offers dive trips to the site

South Florida Wrecks

Steve

Steve is a passionate scuba diving enthusiast and an avid explorer of underwater wonders. With over a decade of diving experience, Steve has explored countless wrecks and reefs, honing his skills and knowledge in some of the most captivating underwater landscapes. His love for the ocean and its mysteries has led him to become a dedicated advocate for marine conservation and responsible diving practices.