The Eidsvag serves as a habitat for marine life, including goliath grouper, and is a popular dive site, contributing to both ecological and recreational opportunities in the area.

Article at a Glance

• Location: The Eidsvag shipwreck is situated off the coast of Florida, specifically near the city of Fort Lauderdale.
• History: The Eidsvag was a Norwegian freighter that sank in 1942 during World War II, adding historical significance to the site.
• Diving Experience: The wreck is popular among divers for its accessibility and the opportunity to explore a well-preserved shipwreck.
• Marine Life: The site is teeming with marine life, including various species of fish and coral, making it a vibrant underwater ecosystem.
• Depth: The wreck lies at a depth of approximately 80 feet, suitable for experienced divers.
• Visibility: Divers can expect good visibility, typically ranging between 40 to 80 feet, depending on weather conditions.
• Conservation: The Eidsvag shipwreck is protected under Florida law, emphasizing the importance of preserving such historical underwater sites.

Shipwreck Location Coordinates and Depth

Depth

The wreck lies at a maximum depth of 80 feet (approximately 24 meters) .

Location Coordinates

The Eidsvag wreck is located at the following coordinates:

• Latitude: 26° 46.020′ N
• Longitude: 80° 00.50′ W

What Do Scuba Divers Say About This Ship

• Diving Experience: Divers often describe the Eidsvag as an exciting dive due to its historical significance and the marine life it attracts. The wreck serves as an artificial reef, providing habitat for various species, including goliath grouper, which divers find particularly impressive.
• Site Characteristics: The Eidsvag wreck is part of the Eidsvag Triangle, which includes other wrecks like Murphy’s Barge. This cluster of wrecks offers a diverse underwater environment, making it a popular destination for both novice and experienced divers.
• Depth and Accessibility: With a maximum depth of 80 feet, the Eidsvag is accessible to divers with basic training, although some divers recommend a minimum level of experience due to the wreck’s conditions and the potential for strong currents in the area.

What Kind of Marine Life Can Be Found on The Ship

• Goliath Grouper: This large fish is often seen around the wreck, making it a highlight for divers.
• Snapper: Various species of snapper are commonly found inhabiting the wreck.
• Lionfish: Known for their striking appearance, lionfish are also present, although they are an invasive species in the region.
• Anemones and Corals: The wreck provides a hard substrate for sessile organisms like anemones and corals, which thrive in the environment created by the wreckage.

Key Information

What Makes The Eidsvag a Unique Diving Experience

• Historical Significance: Originally a drug smuggler, the Eidsvag was confiscated and sunk as an artificial reef, adding a layer of intrigue to its history. This backstory captivates divers who appreciate the narrative behind the wreck.
• Biodiversity: The wreck serves as an artificial reef, attracting a wide variety of marine life, including goliath grouper, snapper, and lionfish. This rich biodiversity enhances the underwater experience, making each dive unique as divers encounter different species.
• Diverse Dive Site: The Eidsvag is part of the Eidsvag Triangle, which includes other wrecks like Murphy’s Barge. This clustering of wrecks allows divers to explore multiple sites in one trip, providing a varied diving experience with different underwater landscapes and marine life.
• Accessibility: With a maximum depth of 80 feet, the Eidsvag is accessible to divers with basic training, making it suitable for both novice and experienced divers. This depth allows for good visibility and relatively easy navigation around the wreck.
• Unique Marine Environment: The structure of the wreck creates numerous nooks and crannies for marine life to inhabit, providing divers with opportunities to observe behaviors and interactions among various species in a dynamic ecosystem.

How Does The Eidsvag Compare to Other Shipwrecks in Florida

• Historical Background: Originally a drug smuggler, the Eidsvag was confiscated and sunk as part of an artificial reef program in 1985. This intriguing history adds a unique narrative that divers find appealing, especially compared to other wrecks that may not have such a colorful past.
• Depth and Accessibility: The Eidsvag lies at a depth of 80 feet, which is relatively accessible for divers with basic training. This depth allows for good visibility and is suitable for both novice and experienced divers, similar to other popular wrecks like the Amaryllis and Mizpah, which are also around this depth but may have different historical contexts and marine life attractions.
• Marine Life: The Eidsvag serves as an artificial reef, attracting a variety of marine species, including goliath grouper, snapper, and lionfish. While many wrecks in Florida, such as the Jupiter Wreck Trek and the M/V Castor, also host diverse marine life, the specific combination of species and the presence of larger fish like goliath grouper make the Eidsvag a unique site for underwater exploration.
• Comparison with Other Wrecks: Other wrecks, such as the USS Rankin and the M/V Castor, are larger and lie at greater depths (up to 180 feet for the Ande), which may appeal to more experienced divers. In contrast, the Eidsvag offers a more approachable dive experience while still providing an engaging environment for exploration.
• Diving Conditions: The Eidsvag is known for relatively calm diving conditions, making it a favorite among local dive charters. This contrasts with some wrecks that may experience stronger currents, such as those found in the Jupiter area.

What is The Full History of This Ship

• Construction and Early Years: The vessel was originally completed in December 1941 as the Empire Sound for the British Ministry of War. Built by Richards Ironworks Limited in Lowestoft, England, it measured 137 feet in length, 24.6 feet in width, and displaced 315 tons.
• World War II Service: In 1943, the Empire Sound was transferred to the government of the Netherlands and renamed Zuiderlmven. After World War II, it was sold to the French company Enterprise Generale de Transport Maritimes and renamed Taniise II.
• Name Changes and Ownership: Over the years, the ship changed hands and names multiple times. In 1950, it was sold to another French interest and renamed Cimcour II. A Norwegian company acquired it in 1953, renaming it Sjaholm. By 1965, it was known as the Pokal, and in 1968, it became the Bjerkosund while operated by Peddership-Pedersen and Sonner. Finally, in 1972, it was renamed Eidsvag.
• Final Years and Sinking: In 1985, the Eidsvag was sold to the Honduran shipping company Nick Ocean International and was reportedly used as a drug runner. Following its confiscation due to narcotics found onboard, the vessel was purchased at auction by the Palm Beach County Artificial Reef program. It was sunk on December 16, 1985, using 110 pounds of explosives detonated by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad, creating an artificial reef off the coast of Florida.

What Historical Features Can Still Be Identified on The Eidsvag Wreck

• Structural Remnants: The wreck is approximately 150 feet long and features the remains of its original structure, including the hull and deck. Divers can explore the ship’s interior, which has large openings created during its sinking to allow for safe entry.
• Artificial Reef Features: Since its sinking in 1985, the Eidsvag has developed into an artificial reef, with marine life thriving on its surfaces. Divers often observe coral, algae, and gorgonian growths covering the wreck, which enhance its visual appeal and ecological importance.
• Historical Markings: While the ship has undergone significant degradation over the years, some remnants of its original identification and structure may still be visible, such as parts of the superstructure and any identifiable features that might have been left intact.
• Marine Life Interaction: The presence of large marine species, such as goliath grouper, adds to the historical narrative of the wreck, as these fish have made the Eidsvag their home, showcasing the transformation of the ship from a vessel to a thriving reef ecosystem.

What Safety Measures Are in Place for Divers Visiting The Eidsvag

• Training Requirements: Divers are typically required to have a minimum level of training, such as Advanced Open Water certification, to ensure they possess the necessary skills for wreck diving. This training helps divers understand the specific challenges and hazards associated with exploring wrecks.
• Dive Planning: Proper dive planning is emphasized, including calculating air consumption and ensuring that divers have enough air to safely exit the wreck, ascend, and complete any necessary safety stops. This is crucial for managing potential emergencies while exploring the wreck.
• Use of Equipment: Divers are encouraged to use appropriate equipment, including gloves and exposure suits, to protect against sharp edges and marine irritants like fire coral. Additionally, carrying a primary light, backup lights, and a wreck reel is recommended for navigation and safety, especially in low visibility conditions.
• Environmental Awareness: Divers are advised to be aware of potential environmental hazards, such as entanglement from fishing lines or nets, and to recognize sharp objects that may pose a risk. Training helps divers learn how to navigate these hazards effectively.
• Guided Dives: Many dive operators offer guided dives to the Eidsvag, providing experienced guides who can assist in navigating the wreck and ensuring safety throughout the dive.

Dive Shops That Prove Diving Trips to This Shipwreck

• Force-E Scuba Centers: They provide diving trips to the Eidsvag Triangle, which includes the Eidsvag wreck along with other nearby wrecks like Murphy’s Barge. Their services cater to various levels of divers, making it a popular choice for those looking to explore this site .
• Pura Vida Divers: This dive shop also organizes trips to the Eidsvag wreck, providing guided dives and equipment rentals for divers of all skill levels.
• Scuba Works: Known for their wreck diving excursions, Scuba Works offers trips to the Eidsvag, focusing on safety and diver experience.
• Diving Blue: This dive shop provides guided tours to the Eidsvag wreck, ensuring divers have a safe and enjoyable experience exploring the underwater environment.

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