Overall, the combination of accessibility, marine life, historical context, and exploration opportunities makes the Merci Jesus a distinctive and appealing dive site compared to other shipwrecks in Florida.

Artice at a Glance

1. Historical Background: The Merci Jesus was seized by U.S. Customs in April 1998 for drug possession and sunk on August 11, 1998, as part of the Broward County Artificial Reef Program.
2. Location and Depth: The wreck lies off the coast of Fort Lauderdale at coordinates 26°09.635′ N, 80°04.747′ W, at depths ranging from 50 to 75 feet, making it accessible for divers with Open Water certification.
3. Unique Features: Divers can explore the ship’s structure, including the wheelhouse and stern, as well as swim-throughs that provide interesting overhead environments.
4. Marine Life: The wreck is home to a vibrant array of marine life, including various tropical fish, which thrive on the significant growth covering the ship.
5. Diving Conditions: The wreck is accessible only by dive boat, ensuring a guided experience, and the conditions are suitable for divers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced.
6. Dive Shops: Several dive shops, such as Sea Experience and American Dream Dive Charters, offer organized trips to the Merci Jesus, providing equipment rentals, guided dives, and safety measures.
7. Diver Feedback: Scuba divers praise the Merci Jesus for its accessibility, exploration opportunities, rich marine life, and the overall positive experience provided by local dive shops, making it a favorite dive site in Florida.

Shipwreck Location Coordinates and Depth

Depth

The wreck lies at a minimum depth of 50 feet (15 meters) and a maximum depth of 75 feet (23 meters).

Location Coordinates

The Merci Jesus shipwreck is located at the coordinates 26°09.635′ N, 80°04.747′ W in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

What Do Scuba Divers Say About This Ship

1. Accessibility for All Levels: The Merci Jesus is noted as an ideal wreck for divers of all levels, from beginners to advanced. The top deck is accessible at depths of 50 to 60 feet, making it suitable for open water divers, while the deeper sections offer more exploration for experienced divers.
2. Exploration Opportunities: Divers appreciate the ability to penetrate the wreck, particularly the wheelhouse and stern areas. These locations provide unique overhead environments that are exciting for photography and exploration without being overly challenging.
3. Marine Life: The wreck is home to a variety of marine life, which divers find appealing. The growth on the wreck attracts numerous tropical fish, enhancing the underwater experience and providing opportunities for wildlife observation.
4. Part of the Wreck Trek: Being part of the Fort Lauderdale Wreck Trek, divers enjoy the convenience of exploring multiple wrecks in one trip, which adds to the overall diving adventure.
5. Positive Reviews: Dive shops that operate trips to the Merci Jesus, such as Sea Experience and American Dream Dive Charters, receive commendations for their knowledgeable staff and well-organized trips, contributing to a safe and enjoyable diving experience.

What Kind of Marine Life Can Be Found on The Ship

The Merci Jesus shipwreck off the coast of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is home to a diverse array of marine life. The wreck is covered with significant growth, which attracts an abundance of tropical fish. 

While the specific marine species can vary, divers typically encounter a variety of colorful tropical fish during their exploration of the site. 

The vibrant marine ecosystem around the wreck makes it a popular dive spot for observing underwater wildlife.

Key Information

What Makes The Merci Jesus a Unique Diving Experience

1. Historical Significance: The Merci Jesus was seized by U.S. Customs Officials in April 1998 for drug possession and subsequently sunk by the Broward County Artificial Reef Program on August 11, 1998, making it an interesting site from a historical perspective.
2. Diving Conditions: The wreck is accessible only by dive boat, which adds an element of adventure. It lies at a depth range of 50 to 75 feet, making it suitable for divers with Open Water certification or equivalent experience.
3. Marine Life and Growth: The ship is covered with significant growth, attracting an abundance of tropical fish, which enhances the underwater experience. The vibrant marine life makes it a popular site for observing diverse underwater ecosystems.
4. Part of a Wreck Trek: The Merci Jesus is part of a four-ship wreck trek, allowing divers to explore multiple wrecks in one dive trip. A skilled navigator can swim from the Scutti to the Tracey and then to the Merci Jesus, providing a comprehensive wreck diving experience.

How Does The Merci Jesus Compare to Other Shipwrecks in Florida

1. Part of a Wreck Trek: The Merci Jesus is part of the Fort Lauderdale Wreck Trek, which includes other notable wrecks like the Tracey and Jay Scutti. This allows divers to explore multiple wrecks in a single dive trip, providing a varied and comprehensive diving experience.
2. Accessibility and Depth: The wreck is located at a depth of 50 to 75 feet, making it accessible to divers with Open Water certification. This depth range is suitable for a wide range of divers, from beginners to more experienced ones, offering an opportunity to explore the wreck without the need for advanced technical diving skills.
3. Marine Life and Growth: The Merci Jesus is covered with significant growth, attracting a variety of tropical fish. This vibrant marine life enhances the diving experience, making it a popular site for observing underwater ecosystems.
4. Historical Context: The Merci Jesus was seized by U.S. Customs Officials for drug possession and intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef. This adds an intriguing historical element to the dive, as divers can explore a site with a unique backstory.
5. Exploration Opportunities: The wreck’s structure allows for interesting exploration opportunities, including swim-throughs and areas like the wheelhouse and stern, which are popular for photography and video.

What is The Full History of This Ship

The Merci Jesus ship has a relatively brief but intriguing history. Originally a 90-foot long and 26-foot wide vessel, the Merci Jesus was seized by U.S. Customs Officials in April 1998 for drug possession.

Following its seizure, the ship was repurposed by the Broward County Artificial Reef Program and intentionally sunk on August 11, 1998, to serve as an artificial reef off the coast of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The ship now lies at a depth of 50 to 75 feet, with the bow pointing south and the hull upright. It is part of the Fort Lauderdale Wreck Trek, which includes other notable wrecks like the Tracey and Jay Scutti. 

What Historical Features Can Still Be Identified on The Merci Jesus Wreck

1. Ship Structure: The Merci Jesus is a 90-foot long and 26-foot wide vessel with the bow pointing south. The hull remains upright on the ocean floor, providing a clear structure for exploration.
2. Wheelhouse and Stern: Divers can explore the wheelhouse and the stern of the ship. These areas are popular for photography and video due to their interesting overhead environments.
3. Deck and Swim-Throughs: The top deck of the ship is accessible and provides a safe area for open water divers. There are also several swim-throughs that divers can explore without encountering a technically overhead environment.

What Safety Measures Are in Place for Divers Visiting The Merci Jesus

1. Boat Access Only: The wreck is accessible only by dive boat, ensuring that divers are accompanied by professionals who can provide guidance and support during the dive.
2. Depth and Skill Level: The wreck lies at a depth of 50 to 75 feet, which is suitable for divers with Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. This ensures that divers have the necessary skills to handle the conditions at this depth.
3. Dive Planning and Navigation: The Merci Jesus is part of a wreck trek that includes other nearby wrecks. A good navigator can swim from the Scutti to the Tracey and then to the Merci Jesus, allowing for a planned and structured dive experience.

Dive Shops That Prove Diving Trips to This Shipwreck

1. Sea Experience: Located at Bahia Mar Marina on Fort Lauderdale Beach, Sea Experience is a full-service dive shop offering classes, charters, retail, and guides. They are recommended for new open water divers and provide a comprehensive diving experience.
2. American Dream Dive Charters: Situated behind the Hilton on 17th Avenue, just south of downtown Fort Lauderdale, American Dream Dive Charters operates a Newton Dive Boat and offers a clean and basic diving operation.