Jay Scutti

Jay Scutti

Fort Lauderdale Dive Sites

Renamed Jay Scutti this tug boat was originally called Arikok when it was launched after being built in Holland in 1961.

Fort Lauderdale – Wreck Diving

The Jay Scutti was a 95 foot Aruba harbour boat who spent most of her life escorting the oil tankers in and out of the Aruba oil refinery. Unfortunately the tug was caught being used to smuggle marijuana and was confiscated.

In 1986 she was purchased by a local businessman Dale Scutti who donated the tug to the Broward County Artificial Reef program and had the tug renamed in memory of his son Jay who was a keen scuba diver.

The tugboat was taken and sunk a short while after being donated approximately 1 mile from Fort Lauderdale and can be found on the shore side of the third reef. She landed on the seabed in just over 70 feet of water and leans over onto the port side.

As well as this tug in the immediate vicinity are two other sleek hulled sailing wrecks. If you swim 120 feet from the bow you will come across the 40 foot sailboat Moonshot, or if you choose to swim 150 feet from the stern of the tug you will discover the 90 foot steel hulled wreck of a schooner once known as the pride. The beauty of this site is that all three wrecks can be explored on the same dive.

The wrecks provide plenty of cover and shelter for the marine life with the tug already well covered and the customary barracuda in attendance with, puffer fish, angelfish, damselfish and many more. Most of the passageways are now overgrown with coral and sponges making deeper penetration only suitable for the fish.

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 of the tug and you can see there is plenty of growth and marine life around the wreck. (Press the button second right on the bottom of the video player to see it in full screen)…

Terence’s Log

Three wrecks on one dive isn’t bad! The Jay Scutti is great to explore and you have good bottom time as it is only 40 to 50 feet to the deck. The wreck is an excellent site for novice wreck divers.

The area is alive with fish and with good visibilty you will find plenty to see and explore. This dive is definately worthy of a camera for those underwater photographs or video shots.