Biscayne
Freighter · United States · Lost December 1974 · Florida's Atlantic Coast
A former Caribbean banana freighter deliberately sunk off Key Biscayne in 1974, becoming one of Miami's earliest artificial reefs.
Become Captain of RecordSee Shipwreck on Map
The Vessel and Her Loss
Known widely as the Banana Freighter for her earlier career carrying bananas between Central America and the Caribbean, this 120-foot vessel was confiscated at Watson Island and later purchased by a group of local fishermen. In December 1974 they sank her off Key Biscayne as a fishing reef, though a storm during the operation pushed her into shallower water than planned. She now lies upright in about 55 feet of water and remains a popular Miami-area dive site.
Vessel
- Not established
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- Steel
- 120 ft
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- Formerly used to transport bananas between the Caribbean and Central America; later purchased by a group of local fishermen
Loss
- December 1974
- Intentional sinking
- Key Biscayne Artificial Reef Site, off Key Biscayne, Florida
- Atlantic Ocean
- Not established
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The Wreck Today
- 55 ft
- Upright on a sand bottom with about 15 feet of relief; bow and stern sections partially collapsed over time, with a large penetrable cargo hold.
- Upright
- Not established
- Not established
Position
- 25.70° N 80.09° W
- Approximate position
- Key Biscayne, Florida
Coordinates as reported by dive resource listings; not independently verified against a government survey.
Evidence
Overall confidence: Partially documented (55/100)
The vessel's original name, builder, and year of construction are not established in the sources reviewed.
Robin's Personal Scuba Instruction, "Biscayne Wreck"
Sinking history, prior use as a banana freighter, and dive site description.
Coordinates, depth, relief, and sinking date.
