305-743-2444 (Marathon) • 305-872-9863 (Big Pine Key) • 305-296-3823 (Key West)

10th Anniversary: Vandenberg Sinking

by | May 23, 2019

fullsizeoutput 41da
fullsizeoutput 41db
VandenbergDepart04
VandyArrive01
VandyArrive04

Vandenberg:  A Great Wreck & an Even Better Artificial Reef

Yes, it has been 10 years since the sinking of the USNS Vandenberg. I can remember being a part of a small family business dive shop in Marathon, thinking, Oh Boy, there goes our business. Fortunately, there was enough business to go around and the Thunderbolt also represents a great wreck to dive. We are happy to be a part of the the Key West diving community and having a chance to dive the Vandenberg on a regular basis.

We love wrecks because they are fascinating.  They carry so much history and bring that to each shoreline community in which they are located.  We talk about them affectionately like they are a part of us.  We don’t have the Empire State Building, we have the USNS Vandenberg.  That is our signature and it is fitting for us that live by the sea.  But it is even so much more than that.  It is a reef substitute, a secret blessing.  It offers life.  Once the wreck is introduced into the marine environment, it acts as a natural rocky bottom, providing potential living space for a new reef community. Nature quickly takes over and, soon thereafter, the structure begins to lose its artificial character. With each passing day, as numerous new living organisms begin to colonize the structure, what was once “artificial” now becomes a progressively intensifying reef ecosystem. In time, the steel structure will disappear beneath a colorful blanket of undersea life.  We have seen this with the Thunderbolt in Marathon and it is happening everyday on the Vandenberg. It is no longer the death of a ship or the graveyard but the life-giving structure that is sorely needed.  They take the pressure off the reefs to produce so much for us humans. These huge artificial reefs offer so much for both reef fish but also they are large enough to offer a cruising pelagics including gamefish refuge.

If we are lucky we will be adding another ship to Marathon, FL.  In the meantime, we need to celebrate the sinking of one of the greatest artificial reefs the Keys has ever seen.  USNS Vandenberg, we salute you!

 

Connect With Us
Popular Posts
Best Snorkeling in the Florida Keys: Top Spots, Beaches and Tips

The Keys practically shout your name if you love snorkeling and finding the best places to snorkel in the Florida Keys doesn’t need to be hard. Picture hot sunshine pouring over ocean swells, water glowing a bright shade of turquoise, and fish zipping around reefs so...

Best Places to Dive in the Florida Keys

If you’re looking for the best places to dive in the Florida Keys, you’ve come to the right place. If you’re a scuba diver—or even just thinking about giving it a try—there’s no better destination in the United States than the Florida Keys. This tropical stretch of...

Why Are Lionfish Invasive?

The beautiful Florida Keys are facing a significant threat from an invasive species: the lionfish. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, these venomous fish have been introduced to the Atlantic Ocean, wreaking havoc on local marine ecosystems. This post will discuss...

Lobster Mini Season 2024

Lobster Mini Season is one of the most anticipated times in the the Florida Keys. This blog will explain everything you need to know from planning your day to day activities, to events and more. Most of our experienced customers tackle Lobster Mini Season Week this...

Book Your Trip!
  • Snorkeling
  • Diving
  • Fishing
  • Sunset Cruises
  • And More!