Blackthorn

Located in 80 feet of water, this 180 foot Coast Guard Tender lies about 20 miles offshore in the Pinellas Artificial Reef Site #2. Broken into 2 large sections that lie upside down, this wreck attracts a large variety of marine life from Goliath Grouper to Whale Sharks. Not recommended for penetration due to poor visibility from excessive silt, this is an intermediate/advanced dive site. The Blackthorn was sunk in 40 feet of water in off the Texas coast in 1970 after colliding with a Russian passenger ship, the “Capricorn”, 23 crewmen were lost. After raising the ship 3 weeks later and declared a loss, the wreck was towed to deeper water and sunk to enhance the Pinellas Artificial Reef #2 area. It remains one of the most popular dive sites in the Tampa area. It lies 200 feet from the Sheridan. Heavy silt lends to poor visibility at times.