The Tracy’s history as a supply ship turned drug smuggler and finally an artificial reef makes it a fascinating dive site with a rich backstory. Its transformation into a memorial for a beloved diving instructor adds a personal and community-oriented aspect to its history.

Article at a Glance

1. Location and Coordinates: The Tracy wreck is situated off the coast of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with coordinates at 26° 09.559′ N latitude and 80° 04.763′ W.
2. Depth and Accessibility: The wreck lies at a depth of approximately 70 feet (21 meters), making it accessible to divers of various skill levels, including newly certified divers.
3. Historical Background: Originally a supply vessel for oil rigs, The Tracy was seized by U.S. Customs for drug trafficking and sunk in 1999 to create an artificial reef.
4. Marine Life: Divers can encounter a rich variety of marine life, including Southern Stingrays, Goliath Groupers, Nurse Sharks, and schools of reef fish, making it a popular site for underwater photography.
5. Unique Features: The wreck retains several historical features, including a memorial plaque for local diving instructor Ken Vitale and its connection to nearby wrecks, allowing for multi-wreck dives.
6. Safety Measures: The site typically offers good visibility and minimal current, but divers are encouraged to practice good buoyancy control and dive with experienced operators for safety.
7. Dive Shops: Several dive shops, including Sea Experience and American Dream Dive Charters, offer guided trips to The Tracy, ensuring a safe and enjoyable diving experience.

Shipwreck Location Coordinates and Depth

Depth

The Tracy wreck is situated at a depth of 70 feet.

Location Coordinates

The coordinates for The Tracy wreck, also known as the Ken Vitale, are 26° 09.559′ N latitude and 80° 04.763′ W longitude.

What Do Scuba Divers Say About This Ship

• Ideal for Various Skill Levels: The Tracy wreck is situated at a depth of 70 feet, making it accessible for newly certified divers. The site offers great visibility and almost no current, which contributes to an easy and comfortable diving experience.
• Marine Life and Photography: Divers have reported encounters with a resident Goliath Grouper and large schools of reef fish, making it a picturesque site. However, capturing the vibrant colors requires proper camera settings and lighting, as the colors can be off without the right equipment.
• Wreck Features: The wreck has many wide openings, allowing for easy penetration by certified divers. It is upright and features a lot of marine growth, which appears stunning when illuminated by dive lights or camera strobes.
• Impact of Weather: The wreck has been affected by hurricanes in the past, which have altered its structure. For instance, Hurricane Irma knocked off the back wall of the stern, demonstrating the powerful forces at play even 70 feet underwater.

What Kind of Marine Life Can Be Found on The Ship

• Southern Stingrays: These large rays are often seen gliding along the sandy bottom near the wreck.
• Goliath Groupers: A resident Goliath Grouper is known to inhabit the wreck, providing an exciting sight for divers.
• Nurse Sharks: These sharks are commonly spotted around the wreck, adding to the diversity of marine life.
• Barracuda: A 4-foot barracuda is known to live in the wreck and is not shy around divers.
• Other Fish Species: Divers have also reported seeing various reef fish, including rockfish, hogfish, and cowfish, particularly on nearby reefs.

Key Information

What Makes The Tracy a Unique Diving Experience

• Accessibility and Depth: The wreck lies at a depth of approximately 70 feet (21 meters), making it accessible to divers of all skill levels, including newly certified divers. The site typically has good visibility and limited current, which contributes to a safe and enjoyable diving experience.
• Marine Life: The Tracy is home to a variety of marine life, including Southern Stingrays, Goliath Groupers, Nurse Sharks, and Barracuda. This abundance of marine life makes it a popular site for underwater photography and wildlife observation.
• Historical Significance: The ship was originally a supply vessel for oil rigs and was seized by U.S. Customs for drug smuggling. It was later sunk to create an artificial reef in 1999, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the dive.
• Multiple Wrecks and Exploration Opportunities: The Tracy is part of a chain of wrecks, including the Jay Scutti and Merci Jesus, allowing divers to potentially explore multiple sites in one dive. This interconnectedness enhances the diving experience by offering a variety of underwater landscapes and structures to explore.
• Training and Photography: The wreck’s structure and conditions make it an ideal site for training purposes and underwater photography. Divers can practice buoyancy and capture images of the vibrant marine life and the wreck itself.

How Does The Tracy Compare to Other Shipwrecks in Florida

• Accessibility and Depth: The Tracy is located at a depth of about 70 feet, making it accessible to divers of various skill levels, including those who are newly certified. This depth is relatively shallow compared to some other Florida wrecks, allowing for longer bottom times and easier exploration.
• Location and Connectivity: The Tracy is part of a trio of wrecks that include the Jay Scutti and Merci Jesus. These wrecks are connected by chains, allowing divers to potentially explore multiple wrecks in a single dive if conditions permit. This setup is unique and provides an opportunity to experience more than one wreck during a dive.
• Marine Life: The Tracy is known for its vibrant marine life, including a resident Goliath Grouper, Southern Stingrays, Nurse Sharks, and a notable 4-foot barracuda. This diversity makes it a popular site for underwater photography and wildlife observation.
• Historical Background: The ship was originally seized by U.S. Customs for drug trafficking and later repurposed as an artificial reef in 1999. This history adds an element of intrigue to the dive, as divers explore a vessel with a storied past.
• Comparison to Other Sites: While the Florida Keys are renowned for their diving spots, Fort Lauderdale, where the Tracy is located, offers a competitive array of wrecks and reefs. The Tracy, with its accessible depth, rich marine life, and connectivity to other wrecks, stands out as a unique and appealing dive site in the region.

What is The Full History of This Wreck

• Original Purpose: The Tracy was originally a 40-meter (approximately 131 feet) long supply ship for oil rigs. It served in this capacity before becoming involved in illegal activities.
• Seizure and Drug Smuggling: On December 17, 1977, U.S. Customs Service agents searched the vessel and discovered over 125 pounds of cocaine on board. This led to the ship being seized by U.S. Customs.
• Transformation into an Artificial Reef: After its seizure, the ship was eventually towed to Miami. On March 2, 1999, it was intentionally sunk off the coast of Fort Lauderdale to create an artificial reef. This transformation aimed to enhance marine biodiversity and provide a site for recreational diving.
• Memorial and Naming: The wreck is also known as the Ken Vitale, named in honor of a highly respected local diving instructor. A plaque has been placed on the wreck to commemorate him, adding a personal touch to the site.
• Impact of Natural Events: The Tracy has been affected by hurricanes over the years. For instance, Hurricane Irma knocked off the back wall of the stern, demonstrating the power of natural forces even underwater. Despite these changes, the wreck remains a popular dive site.

What Historical Features Can Still Be Identified on TheTracy Wreck

• Structure and Orientation: The wreck is a 131-foot-long vessel with a 32-foot beam. It lies upright on the seabed with its bow pointing north. This orientation and the intact structure make it relatively easy to navigate and explore.
• Plaque Memorial: A notable historical feature of the wreck is a plaque placed in memory of Ken Vitale, a well-respected local diving instructor. This adds a personal and historical element to the dive, commemorating his contributions to the diving community.
• Connection to Other Wrecks: The Tracy is part of a chain of wrecks, connected by cables to the Jay Scutti to the south and the Merci Jesus to the north. This setup allows divers to explore multiple wrecks in a single dive, enhancing the historical experience by providing a glimpse into the area’s artificial reef development.

What Safety Measures Are in Place for Divers Visiting The Tracy

• Depth and Skill Level: The Tracy wreck is located at a depth of approximately 70 feet (21 meters), making it suitable for open water divers. The site is accessible for divers of various skill levels, including newly certified divers, due to its manageable depth and typically calm conditions.
• Visibility and Current: The wreck usually offers good visibility, often ranging from 50 to 60 feet, with almost zero current. These conditions make it easier for divers to navigate and explore the wreck safely.
• Dive Planning and Equipment: Divers are encouraged to practice good buoyancy control to maintain stability and avoid disturbing the marine environment. Proper dive planning, including checking equipment and ensuring adequate air supply, is essential for a safe dive.
• Wreck Penetration: The Tracy has many wide openings, allowing for easy penetration by certified divers. However, only divers with appropriate training and experience should attempt to enter the wreck to avoid potential hazards.
• Weather and Environmental Conditions: Divers should be aware of weather conditions and potential changes due to storms or hurricanes, which can affect underwater visibility and the wreck’s structure. It’s important to dive with a reputable dive operator who monitors these conditions and provides guidance.
• Guided Dives and Dive Operators: Many divers choose to explore the Tracy with the assistance of local dive operators, such as the American Dream crew, who provide guided dives and ensure that safety protocols are followed.

Dive Shops That Prove Diving Trips to This Shipwreck

1. Sea Experience: This dive shop provides trips to various dive sites in Fort Lauderdale, including The Tracy wreck. They are known for having a laid-back and helpful crew, making the diving experience enjoyable for participants.
2. American Dream Dive Charters: This operator frequently visits The Tracy wreck, among other sites. They are noted for their knowledgeable crew and well-organized trips, catering to divers of different skill levels.