Black Bart

Fast Facts:

• Average Depth:  65 ft. / 20 m
• Max Depth: 75 ft. / 23 m

Features:

• Artificial Reef
• Wreck Site

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This artificial reef is named “Black Bart” in memorial to Captain Charles Bartholomew who was the Navy’s Supervisor of Salvage in Panama City for many years. Capt. Bart was an avid sport diver who worked diligently on many joint artificial reefs between the Navy and the Panama City community. The wreck was deployed in the early 1990s.

The 185-foot oil field supply ship sits upright in about 75 feet of water. Her bow points due south. The bridge can be reached at 40 feet and the main deck is at 66 feet. The cargo holds are open for exploration. Divers can also explore the head (complete with toilets) and the galley which still has several appliances. The Black Bart is a popular spot for wreck training and for photography.

There is an abundance of fish in and around the ship. Turtles have been spotted at times, along with catfish, flounder and grouper. The bottom is a bit silty; visibility is generally 20-25 feet at the main deck. Be sure to bring a dive light. One Halloween, a prankster chained a skeleton, complete with mask and snorkel, to the wheelhouse. No word on whether the skeleton is still there.