The Dorothy Louise Barge is a well-regarded dive site due to its combination of marine biodiversity, conservation opportunities, and navigational ease. 

Article at a Glance

1. Location and Depth: The Dorothy Louise Barge is located approximately 20 miles offshore from St. Augustine, Florida, at a maximum depth of about 70 feet, making it accessible to divers with minimal training.
2. Artificial Reef: Intentionally sunk in 1988, the barge serves as an artificial reef, promoting marine biodiversity and providing a habitat for various species, including giant nurse sharks and Goliath groupers.
3. Marine Life: Divers frequently encounter an array of marine life, including large schools of Spadefish, colorful coral, and sponges, creating a vibrant underwater environment.
4. Diving Experience: The site is known for its clear visibility, often around 40 to 50 feet, and the structure of the barge allows for easy navigation, making it suitable for both novice and experienced divers.
5. Conservation Efforts: Divers can participate in conservation activities at the site, such as removing debris and fishing lines, contributing to the health of the marine ecosystem.
6. Safety Measures: Common safety practices include using the buddy system, understanding marine life interactions, and being aware of visibility and sea conditions to ensure a safe diving experience.
7. Dive Shops: Local dive shops such as Sea Hunt Scuba, The Dive Source, and Ancient City Scuba offer diving trips to the Dorothy Louise Barge, providing services and information for divers interested in exploring this unique site.

Shipwreck Location Coordinates and Depth

Depth

The maximum depth of the site is approximately 70 feet, making it accessible to divers with minimal training.

Location Coordinates

The wreck is located at coordinates 29° 56.30′ N, 80° 57.40′ W.

What Do Scuba Divers Say About This Ship

• Marine Life: Divers report encountering a diverse array of marine life at the Dorothy Louise Barge. Notable sightings include giant nurse sharks, Goliath groupers, and large schools of Spadefish. The site is described as vibrant, with colorful coral growth and sponges, providing plenty of nooks and crannies for exploration.
• Diving Experience: The barge is situated at a maximum depth of 70 feet, making it accessible to divers with minimal training. The structure of the barge provides an easy navigation point, offering comfort and orientation for divers. The site is praised for its clear water and the abundance of marine life, making it a must-see location for scuba enthusiasts.
• Ecotourism and Conservation: The Dorothy Louise Barge also serves as an ecotourism site where divers can participate in conservation efforts, such as removing debris or fishing lines that pose entanglement hazards. This aspect adds an educational and environmental dimension to the diving experience.

What Kind of Marine Life Can Be Found on The Ship

• Giant Nurse Sharks: These are frequently seen around the wreck, and divers describe them as impressive due to their size.
• Goliath Groupers: Known for their large size, these groupers are a common sight at the barge.
• Spadefish: Divers often find themselves surrounded by large schools of Spadefish, creating a mesmerizing underwater experience.
• Colorful Coral and Sponges: The wreck is covered with vibrant coral growth and sponges, providing habitat for various marine species and adding to the site’s visual appeal.

Key Information

What Makes The Dorothy Louise Barge a Unique Diving Experience

1. Artificial Reef and Marine Life: The barge was intentionally sunk to create a reef habitat, making it a vibrant home for diverse marine life. Divers frequently encounter giant nurse sharks, Goliath groupers, and large schools of Spadefish, among other species. The presence of colorful coral and sponges adds to the underwater spectacle.
2. Ecotourism and Conservation Efforts: The site serves as an ecotourism destination where divers can participate in conservation activities, such as removing debris and fishing lines that pose entanglement hazards. This aspect provides an educational and environmentally conscious diving experience.
3. Accessibility and Navigation: With a maximum depth of 70 feet, the Dorothy Louise Barge is accessible to divers with minimal training. The structure of the barge offers easy navigation, allowing divers to maintain their bearings and explore various sections comfortably. This makes it an ideal site for both novice and experienced divers.
4. Visual and Sensory Experience: Divers describe the experience as visually stunning, with clear water and an abundance of marine life creating an immersive environment. The feeling of being surrounded by thousands of schooling fish is often highlighted as a memorable aspect of the dive.

How Does The Dorothy Louise Barge Compare to Other Shipwrecks in Florida

1. Marine Biodiversity: The site is home to a rich variety of marine life, including giant nurse sharks, Goliath groupers, and large schools of Spadefish, among others. This biodiversity is comparable to other notable wrecks but is particularly highlighted by the abundance of schooling fish that can surround divers, creating a unique and immersive experience.
2. Artificial Reef Status: Like many shipwrecks in Florida, the Dorothy Louise Barge was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef. This aspect is common among Florida wrecks, which are often used to promote marine habitats and ecotourism.
3. Accessibility and Navigation: With a maximum depth of 70 feet, the Dorothy Louise Barge is accessible to divers with minimal training. Its structure provides easy navigation, similar to other barge-type wrecks, offering comfort and orientation for divers.
4. Ecotourism and Conservation Efforts: The site is actively used for ecotourism, where divers participate in conservation efforts by removing debris and fishing lines. This adds an educational and environmental dimension to the diving experience, which may not be as emphasized at other wrecks.
5. Location and Conditions: Located about 20 miles offshore from St. Augustine, the barge offers good visibility and favorable diving conditions, making it a popular choice for both local and visiting divers.

What is The Full History of This Ship

History and Purpose

• Sinking Date: The barge was sunk in 1988 as part of efforts to enhance marine habitats and promote ecotourism in the area.
• Artificial Reef: As an artificial reef, the Dorothy Louise Barge provides a habitat for a wide variety of marine life, making it an attractive spot for divers and fishermen alike.

Diving Experience

• Marine Life: Divers frequently encounter giant nurse sharks, Goliath groupers, and large schools of Spadefish. The site is also noted for its colorful coral growth and sponges, which add to the underwater experience.
• Conservation Efforts: The site serves as an ecotourism destination where divers can participate in conservation activities, such as removing debris and fishing lines that pose entanglement hazards.

Location and Accessibility

• Coordinates: The wreck is located at coordinates 29° 56.30′ N, 80° 57.40′ W.
• Depth: The maximum depth of the site is approximately 70 feet, making it accessible to divers with minimal training.

What Historical Features Can Still Be Identified on The Dorothy Louise Barge Wreck

1. Barge Structure: The primary identifiable feature is the structure of the barge itself. As a 175-foot hopper barge, its large, flat surface and structural components are still intact, providing a habitat for marine life and a point of interest for divers navigating the site.
2. Marine Growth: Over the years, the barge has been colonized by various marine organisms. Coral, sponges, and other marine flora have grown over the structure, creating a colorful and vibrant underwater landscape.
3. Artificial Reef Features: The barge serves as an artificial reef, which means it was designed to promote marine life colonization. This includes various nooks and crannies formed by the structure that provide shelter for fish and other sea creatures.

What Safety Measures Are in Place for Divers Visiting the Dorothy Louise Barge

1. Navigation and Orientation: The structure of the barge provides an easy navigation point, allowing divers to maintain their bearings. This is crucial for ensuring that divers can easily find their way back to their entry point or anchor line1.
2. Debris and Entanglement Hazards: Divers are encouraged to participate in ecotourism activities by removing debris and fishing lines that pose entanglement hazards. This not only helps in maintaining the site but also reduces risks for divers1.
3. Recommended Training: Divers should have the recommended minimum training for diving at depths up to 70 feet, which is the maximum depth of the Dorothy Louise Barge. This typically includes basic open water certification and familiarity with diving in open water conditions.
4. Visibility and Conditions: Divers should be aware of the visibility and sea conditions, which can vary. Reports indicate that visibility can be around 40 to 50 feet, but the abundance of schooling fish may sometimes obscure views.
5. Marine Life Awareness: The site is home to large marine animals such as nurse sharks and Goliath groupers. Divers should be knowledgeable about how to interact safely with marine life and maintain a respectful distance1.
6. Buddy System and Dive Planning: As with any dive, using the buddy system and having a clear dive plan are essential safety measures. This includes agreeing on maximum depth, dive time, and emergency procedures before entering the water.

North Florida Wrecks

• USS Oriskany
• USS Massachusetts
• SS Tarpon
• SS Gulf America
• Empire Mica
• USS Chippewa
• Avocet
• Black Bart
• The Vamar
• San Pablo
• USS Narcissus
• The Loftus Wreck
• The Dorothy Louise
• The Mizpah
• MV Janet
• The Eidsvag
• YDT-14 and YDT-15
• USS Strength
• Miss Louise
• The Lulu
• PC-1174
• Three Coal Barges
• USS Accokeek (ATA-181)
• El Dorado
• The Grey Ghost
• The Pete Tide II
• Red Sea Tug