Proteus

Proteus

Maimi Dive Sites

In 1985 the freighter known as Proteus was sunk off the coast of Key Biscayne as part of the Dade County Artificial Reef program. Once a ferry boat on the Great Lakes, this freighter was modified removing any superfluous structures so that she could maximize her use as a cargo freighter. During this time she was moving cargo and supplies around the Caribbean.

Miami Wreck Diving – Proteus

Unfortunately this Caribbean venture failed and after bankruptcy in 1980 the freighter sat on Miami River for 5 years before being acquired for the Maimi-Dade County’s Artificial Reef when volunteers for the program stripped and cleaned the 220 foot freighter ready for sinking in 1985.

After sinking this ship came to rest at a depth of 75 feet not far from another well known Miami wreck the Biscayne Freighter, but as with a lot of wrecks in the Miami area the wreck was damaged during Hurricane Andrew in 1992 which resulted in the wreck being scattered in large pieces over the area providing additional refuge and home to Miami’s marine life.

With this freighter having been sunk since 1985 there is now an abundance of sponges, corals and a vast amount of marine life gathered around this popular artificial reef and with the relatively shallow depth this makes for a good second dive if you are wreck diving in Miami.

Scuba Videos

One of the attractions of Miami scuba diving is that you will be able to take underwater photographs or underwater videos such as the one below. With excellent light and clear waters you will be able to get some excellent shots.

This video was taken at Orion and Proteus and you can see the vast amounts of marine life and the fantastic colors of the corals growing on these wrecks. (Press the button second right on the bottom of the video player to see it in full screen)…

Terence’s Log

The 220 foot freighter has been in the water since 1985 so you will find plenty of life in and around this wreck.

You will want to take an underwater camera or underwater video camera with you as the light around this 75 foot dive is good and with years of growth around the site there are plenty of opportunities for you to take close up pictures.