Arratoon Apcar

Fast Facts:

• Average Depth:  15 ft. / 5 m
• Max Depth: 25 ft. / 8 m

Features:

• Coral Reef
• Wreck Site
• Artificial Reef
• Good Snorkeling
• Marine Preserve

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The Arratoon Apcar, named after her original owner, Apcar and Company, was built in 1861 at a shipyard in Scotland. She was a 260-foot iron-hulled screw steamer with a beam of 35 feet.

On February 17, 1878 while on a voyage from Liverpool, England to Havana, Cuba, the Arratoon Apcar slammed into Fowey Rocks nearly colliding with the Fowey Lighthouse which was currently under construction. Ironically, the lighthouse was being erected on that very spot to warn vessels of the dangerous reef line which had already claimed more than one ship, including the HMS Fowey in 1748. Heavy seas and strong winds pounded the grounded vessel, pushing her further onto the reef. Heavy swells continuously lifted the ship, and then dropped her back down onto the cutting rocks. She quickly tore apart and was abandoned as a total loss.

The Arratoon Apcar is one of five historic wrecks designated as part of the Biscayne National Park “Shipwreck Trail”. The shallow waters and surrounding coral reef make this a fantastic snorkeling and dive location. Boaters are advised to use caution as the shallow waters near the reef often create strong surge conditions.