Copenhagen

Fast Facts:

• Average Depth:  15 ft. / 5 m
• Max Depth: 35 ft. / 11 m

Features:

• Wreck Site
• Mooring Buoys
• Artificial Reef
• Good Snorkeling
• Marine Preserve

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The steamer, Copenhagen, was built in England in 1898. This ship was carrying almost 5,000 tons of coal and 26 crew members when she ran aground in 1900. The ship’s captain, William Jones, was trying to direct the ship to stay off shore by at least a mile and a half when the Copenhagen met its unfortunate fate. Jones had not used his sounding lead and was not properly navigating. As a result, the ship became stuck on the Pompano Drop-off and could not break through. Most of its cargo was unloaded by a rescue boat but the ship could not be saved.

Parts of the ship were still visible above water for 40 years. The area was used for naval target practice. In 1994, this popular wreck site became a protected underwater preserve. Today, the hull has collapsed but the overgrown structure continues to offer much to see. Much of the ship’s structure has become part of the reef. The wreck lies in 15 to 35 feet of water with her bow pointed to the south — approximately parallel to the reef.

This wreck has been designated an historical shipwreck and is a part of the Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve. Today, not much is left of the ship other than an anchor, some of the structure, and a plague marking the wreck. The shallow depths make this spot great for beginners and snorkelers.