Cayman Salvage Master
Buoy Tender · United States · Lost 1985 · The Florida Keys
A well-traveled Army mine planter turned buoy tender and Mariel boatlift refugee carrier, now a Key West artificial reef.
Become Captain of RecordSee Shipwreck on Map
The Vessel and Her Loss
Built in 1936 as a U.S. Army mine planter, the vessel later served as a Coast Guard buoy tender, cable layer, and freighter, and reportedly carried Cuban refugees to Key West during the 1980 Mariel boatlift. Seized by federal authorities and left to sink at the dock, she was refloated in 1985 for use as an artificial reef. A tow cable parted during her deployment, dropping her in shallower water than planned, about 7 miles southeast of Key West. Hurricane Kate later righted the wreck onto its current upright position.
Vessel
- 1936
- Not established
- Not established
- Steel
- 187 ft
- Not established
- Not established
- Diesel, single screw
- U.S. Army (originally); private owners (at loss)
Loss
- April 30, 1985
- Intentional sinking
- About 7 miles southeast of Key West, Florida
- Straits of Florida
- Not established
- Not established
- 0
- 0
- Not established
The Wreck Today
- 60-92
- Righted upright by Hurricane Kate after initially landing on its side; superstructure removed before sinking.
- Upright
- Not established
- Within Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Position
- 24.45° N 81.77° W
- Approximate position
- Key West, Florida
Evidence
Overall confidence: Partially documented (70/100)
Sources vary on the precise sequence of the vessel's early Army and Coast Guard service, and her original builder is not established.
Service history and sinking circumstances.
Depth and site description.
