Gilbert Sea
Gilbert Sea
West Palm Beach Dive Sites
The Gilbert Sea is one of four ships that form part of the artificial reef site Governor’s River Walk Reef. The four ships are sunk at a depth of 90 feet and together with lime rock boulders and concrete corridors that have been created between the ships the site is now a haven for marine life. (Photo courtesy of Palm Beach County)
West Palm Beach – Wreck Diving
This wreck is located 1.5 miles south of Lake Worth Inlet. The area is known for strong currents but is a great dive when the currents are mild and all 4 wrecks can be seen on the same dive.
This ship is one of four wrecks and all the ships were seized as part of a drive to eliminate drug smuggling in the area. After being seized the ships were handed over to the county to be used as part of the artificial reef program.
Built in Holland in 1966 the Gilbert Sea was a 175 foot freighter that was originally named the M/S Geulborg. After having various name changes she eventually registered in Honduras before being seized in by U.S. Customs in June 1961.
Each of the ships had large holes cut into their sides enabling them to be sunk without the use of explosives so that they sunk upright and intact.
Palm Beach Scuba Videos
One of the attractions of Palm Beach 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 Governor’s River Walk Reef and gives you an idea of what to expect with the numerous wrecks around West Palm Beach and what to expect diving off the Florida coast. (Press the button second right on the bottom of the video player to see it in full screen)…
Terence’s Log
You will discover that this is a relatively new diving site having been started in 2002 with the sinking of the seized ships and in the summer of 2005 had concrete corridors deployed between the Gilbert Sea and the St. Jacques providing more habitats for the marine life.
There is already plenty of growth on these wrecks and you will be amazed at the variety and volume of marine life that has already taken up residence at this site.
