Benwood Wreck

Located between French Reef and the Dixie Shoals in depths from 25 to 55 feet, the site has 4 mooring buoys and a spar buoy to mark it. This site is located within the Florida Keys National marine Sanctuary. This is a prime night dive for the experienced diver and a great site for any level of diver during daylight. There is a fair to moderate current and among the gorgeous corals hides fire coral so beware. The Benwood was a 285 foot freighter built in England. The sinking of the ship has more than one story – one says she was torpedoed in WWII by a German sub and then running for shallow water, she collided with the Robert C. Tuttle. After an onboard explosion she sunk and her bow was destroyed and her hull used for bombing practice. This site has healthy coral growth with brain coral, sea fans, sea whips, sponges and the dreaded fire coral. At night bioluminescent marine life add to the fascination of a night dive for experienced divers. Lots of marine life make their home in this artificial reef.

Notes: Mooring Buoys