The Spiegel Grove is a massive wreck, measuring 510 feet in length and 84 feet across the beam, making it one of the largest artificial reefs in the world. The wreck is located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and is only accessible by boat due to its offshore location.

Article at a Glance

• Location: 6 miles off Key Largo, Florida; boat access only• Size and Depth:

• 510 feet long, 84 feet wide
• Upright position
• Depth range: 60 to 130 feet

• History:

• Intentionally sunk in 2002
• Initially landed on its side
• Fully uprighted by Hurricane Dennis in 2005

• Dive Experience:

• Advanced dive site
• Penetration opportunities
• Multiple swim-throughs
• Various deck levels to explore

• Marine Life:

• Thriving artificial reef
• Diverse species including groupers and barracudas
• Abundant tropical fish

• Dive Conditions:

• Visibility can exceed 100 feet
• Strong currents possible
• Challenging for inexperienced divers

• Certification Requirements:

• Advanced open water certification required
• Many operators require proof of 25 logged dives

USS Spiegel Grove Shipwreck Location Coordinates and Depth

Depth

The wreck sits upright on the sandy bottom at a depth range of 70 to 130 feet (21 to 40 meters), with the bow accessible at around 60 feet and the deepest part of the wreck reaching 135 feet.

Location and Coordinates

The USS Spiegel Grove shipwreck is located approximately 6 miles off the coast of Key Largo, Florida, at the following GPS coordinates:25° 04.003′ N, 80° 18.367′ W

What to Scuba Divers Say About This Ship

• The Spiegel Grove is an amazing wreck that offers a great diving experience for divers of various skill levels, from beginners to advanced. It’s a special place that attracts divers from all over.
• The wreck sits upright on the sandy bottom at depths ranging from 60 feet at the top deck to 135 feet at the deepest point, making it accessible to both recreational and technical divers.
• Divers are often amazed by the sheer size of the wreck, which measures 510 feet long and 84 feet wide, making it one of the largest artificial reefs in the world. Even after many dives, there are still unexplored sections of the wreck.
• The wreck is covered in a vibrant ecosystem of corals and sponges that attract a diverse array of marine life, including large groupers, schools of tropical fish, barracudas, jacks, spadefish, sharks, and nurse sharks.
• The wreck’s superstructure features numerous swim-throughs and passages that allow divers to explore the interior, adding to the excitement and sense of adventure. However, proper training and precautions are necessary when penetrating the wreck.
• Diving the Spiegel Grove is often described as a “bucket list” item for wreck divers, with many divers returning multiple times to further explore this underwater treasure trove. The wreck provides a unique and memorable diving experience.

What Kind of Marine Life Can Be Found on The Ship

• Large groupers and cubera snapper
• Schools of tropical fish like bluehead wrasses, bar jacks, and shimmering smaller fish
• Colorful tropical fish and angelfish
• Nurse and reef sharks
• Turtles
• Snapper, grunts, anemones
• Possible eagle rays
• Longlure frogfish and unicorn filefish
• Over 144 species of fish have been documented on the wreck

Key Information

What Makes The USS Spiegel Grove a Unique Diving Experience

Massive Size and Scale

• At 510 feet long and 84 feet wide, the Spiegel Grove is one of the largest artificial reefs in the world. Its sheer size is awe-inspiring and dwarfs any natural reef structure in the area.
• Even after many dives, there are still unexplored sections of the wreck due to its immense scale. The wreck can sometimes disappear into a blue-green haze on less clear days.

Upright Position

• After initially sinking on its side in 2002, Hurricane Dennis in 2005 flipped the wreck upright, allowing divers to explore it in its intended orientation. This makes the wreck much more accessible and interesting to dive.
• The upright position provides easy access to the various decks, with the bow accessible at around 60 feet and the deepest point at 135 feet. This allows divers of different skill levels to explore the wreck.

Vibrant Marine Life

• The wreck has become a thriving artificial reef, attracting a diverse array of marine life including large groupers, schools of tropical fish, barracudas, jacks, spadefish, sharks, and nurse sharks.
• Over 144 species of fish have been documented on the wreck, making it a true underwater oasis. The wreck provides a large and complex habitat that fosters a vibrant ecosystem.

Penetration Opportunities

• The wreck’s superstructure features numerous swim-throughs and passages that allow experienced divers to explore the interior. This adds to the sense of adventure and excitement.
• However, proper training and precautions are necessary when penetrating the wreck to ensure safety. Divers must be advanced level certified due to the depths involved.

What is The Full History of This Ship

The USS Spiegel Grove (LSD-32) was a Thomaston-class dock landing ship of the United States Navy. Here is a detailed account of its history:

Construction and Commissioning

• Laid Down: 7 September 1954 by the Ingalls Shipbuilding Corp., Pascagoula, Mississippi
• Launched: 10 November 1955
• Sponsored by: Mrs. Webb C. Hayes
• Commissioned: 8 June 1956, Capt. S. Filippone in command

Early Service

• Shakedown Cruise: Headed to the Guantanamo Bay area on 26 July 1956 and returned on 15 September 1956
• Amphibious Exercises: Participated in exercises off Onslow Beach, North Carolina, in November 1956
• First Deployment: Sailed with Transport Amphibious Squadron 4 (TransPhibRon 4) on 9 January 1957, carrying elements of the 6th Marines to the Mediterranean. Returned to Norfolk on 3 June 1957

Mediterranean and African Deployments

• Extended Tour: Deployed with her squadron to the 6th Fleet from January 1958 to 6 October 1958
• Reassigned: Assigned to PhibRon 10, the new Fast Squadron, on 22 October 1958
• Goodwill Tour: Participated in “Solant Amity II” in April 1961, a four-month cruise to the African coast, visiting several countries and providing humanitarian aid

Caribbean Operations

• Amphibious Exercises: Conducted refresher training and participated in exercises in the Caribbean from March to April 1962
• Space Flight Support: Supported Malcolm Scott Carpenter’s manned space flight in Mercury-Atlas 7 in May 1962
• Phibulex 2-62: Participated in exercises in the Caribbean from July to August 1962
• Second Goodwill Tour: Deployed for “Solant Amity IV” from 15 February to late May 1963, visiting nine countries and steaming over 21,000 nautical miles

Later Deployments and Operations

• 6th Fleet Deployments: Deployed to the 6th Fleet from January to June 1964, 3 November 1966 to 11 May 1967, and from 17 April to 9 October 1971
• Operation Steel Pike I: Participated in exercises off Spain in October 1964
• Midshipman Cruise: Made a midshipman cruise to England and Denmark in 1970
• Evacuation Operations: Participated in the evacuation of American citizens from Cyprus in 1974 and Lebanon in 1976

Awards and Later Service

• Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award: Won the award for the Atlantic Fleet in 1983
• Eastern Wind: Participated in the exercise in August 1987 off Somalia as part of Amphibious Squadron 32/Commander Task Unit 76.8.2

Artificial Reef

• Decommissioned: Eventually decommissioned and sunk to create an artificial reef off the coast of Key Largo, Florida, in 2002, with the help of Indiana University

What Historical Features Can Still Be Identified on The USS Spiegel Grove Wreck

• The ship’s crane arms, adorned with colorful sponges and corals, make for stunning photography subjects. These cranes are remnants of the Spiegel Grove’s original naval configuration.
• Divers can access various decks and interior spaces of the wreck, though proper training is required for penetration dives. Exploring these areas provides a glimpse into the ship’s history and layout.
• A commemorative plaque honoring the military personnel who served on the Spiegel Grove, as well as supporters of the artificial reef project and the Keys dive community, was affixed to the wreck for its 20th anniversary in 2022. This plaque serves as a tangible link to the ship’s past.
• From 1956 to its decommissioning in 1989, the Spiegel Grove helped enforce America’s Cold War strategy of containment, which called for rushing troops and equipment to support friendly governments. The wreck serves as a physical reminder of this era of naval history.
• The massive size of the Spiegel Grove, measuring 510 feet long and 84 feet wide, is a testament to the ship’s original purpose as a Navy carrier. It remains one of the largest ships ever intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef.

What Safety Measures Are in Place for Divers Visiting the USS Spiegel Grove

Diver Certification and Experience Requirements

• Divers must have advanced level certification due to the wreck’s depths, which reach up to 135 feet. Regular diving experience and knowledge of wreck diving techniques are also essential.
• Penetration into the wreck requires proper training and precautions, as exploring closed chambers or tunnels comes with additional risks. Divers should never enter regions where they cannot see daylight at the exit.

Dive Operator Safety Protocols

• Dive operators and guides conduct thorough briefings covering entry, exit procedures, navigation, air management, and emergency protocols. Divers must pay close attention to these briefings and ask for clarification if needed.
• Emergency procedures should be well understood and reviewed before each dive.Divers should always have the required safety equipment with them, such as dive computers, lights, and signaling devices.

Air Management and Decompression Procedures

• The rule of thirds is followed for air management, with one-third of the air and time reserved for the return trip and emergencies. Divers must check air consumption and bottom time regularly to avoid decompression sickness.
• Appropriate dive plans are crucial, especially when using a single AL80 cylinder with Nitrox. Diving to thirds of the gas supply is essential.

Wreck Penetration Safety

• Hazards within the wreck, such as entanglement risks, demand cautious movement and good buoyancy control from divers. Divers must be aware of their surroundings to avoid accidents.
• If penetrating the wreck, a wreck line and reel are necessary to guide the way out in reduced visibility, ensuring a safe and clear path back to the entry point.

List of Dive Shops That Prove Diving Trips to This Shipwreck

1. Horizon Divers
   • Located in Key Largo
   • Offers daily diving trips to the Spiegel Grove
   • Experienced crew and guides
2. Rainbow Reef Dive Center
   • Based in Key Largo
   • Provides two-tank dive trips to the Spiegel Grove
   • Offers both shallow and deep dives on the wreck
3. Scuba Fun Dive Center
   • Located in Key Largo
   • Offers daily diving trips to the Spiegel Grove
   • Provides both shallow and deep dives on the wreck
4. Conch Republic Divers
   • Based in Key Largo
   • Offers diving trips to the Spiegel Grove as part of the Florida Keys Wreck Trek program
   • Provides guides and support for exploring the wreck
5. Key Dives
   • Located in Key Largo
   • Offers diving trips to the Spiegel Grove as part of the Florida Keys Wreck Trek program
   • Provides guides and support for exploring the wreck

The Keys Wrecks

• USS Duane
• USS Spiegel Grove
• Thunderbolt
• City of Washington
• SS Benwood
• USNS Vandenberg
• Joes Tug
• Cayman Salvage Master