Captain Dan

Captain Dan

Fort Lauderdale Dive Sites

This well known wreck was a coastguard buoy tender that was named in memory of Captain Dan Garnsey who was owner of the drift fishing boat Helen S and a long time resident of Broward County.

Fort Lauderdale – Wreck Diving

Captain Dan was originally named Hollyhock and during her working career of 53 years spent most of her time tending buoys before being sunk in February 1990 just south of the Jay Dorman artificial reef, which is 1.5 mile from shore and just outside the third reef line.

A lot of care was taken in preparing her for sinking and huge holes were prepared between the forepeak, cargo hold and engine room which now provides excellent access and penetration of the wreck.

When she sunk the ship sank in just over 105 feet of water and landed upright on the seabed and can be reached at just 70 feet below the surface with the wheelhouse the easiest to reach.

Fort Lauderdale Scuba Videos

One of the attractions of Fort Lauderdale scuba diving is that you will be able to take underwater photographs or underwater videos such as the one below.The waters are warm and clear so you will be able to get some good shots.

This video was taken at the wreck known as Captain Dan and gives you an idea of what to expect when scuba diving in Fort Lauderdale. (Press the button second right on the bottom of the video player to see it in full screen)…

Terence’s Log

This is a very nice dive site and can have visibility up to 30m when the currents are right. When you penetrate the wreck keep a look out for the very goliath grouper that likes to take refuge inside.

As with most wrecks you will find barracuda and other reef fish at this location and at 70-80 feet you will have plenty of bottom time.