Eagle
The 269ft freighter sailed with the names Raila Dan, Barok, Carmela, Ytai, Etai, Carigulf Pioneer and Aaron K painted on her stern before she became the MV Eagle in acknowledgement of the Eagle Tire Co.’s financial support in the effort to sink her as an artificial reef.
Launched in Holland in 1962, she was capable of cruising at 12.5 knots, powered by a 10-cylinder diesel engine. Under the name Aaron K the ship transported newspaper and cardboard from the U.S. to Central and South America. A serious fire broke out while the ship was en route from Miami to Venezuela in 1985, damaging much of the electrical system and machinery of the vessel beyond repair.
Declared a total loss by the insurers, the ship was towed to Miami. Members of the Islamorada diving community, looking for a suitable ship to sink, found her there and made the arrangements to have the ship cleaned and towed to the Keys. On December 19, 1985, high explosives were used to blow holes in the hull, sinking the freighter in less than 2 minutes.
Unfortunately, Eagle settled on her starboard side, giving the ship a deeper profile than intended and exposing some of the jagged metal from the blasts. The ship is a great deep dive, though, with lots of coral-encrusted rigging, including the crow’s nest and two masts. Depth to the port rail is about 70ft, and the bottom is between 110 and 120 ft.
In 1998 the powerful storm surge of Hurricane Georges broke the hull in two, leaving a V-shaped gap admidships and opening sections of the interior that were previously inaccessible. Because of the depth, sideways orientation and storm damage, penetration of the wreck should be attempted only by trained divers with proper equipment. Guided penetrations are available from several local shops.
Strong currents are common on the wreck, supporting the entire food chain. In addition to thousands of reef fish, expect to see predators like great barracuda and crevalle jacks. Big silvery tarpon are also permanent residents.
Reproduced with permission from Diving & Snorkeling Florida Keys 2001 Lonely Plant Publications www.lonelyplanet.com