Mizpah

Mizpah

West Palm Beach Dive Sites

Built by Newport News in 1926 the Mizpah was originally named the Savarona. She was built to a length of 185 feet with a beam of some 27 feet. Powered by twin diesel engines this steel yacht sailed under numerous names before finally receiving the name Mizpah. (Photo courtesy of Palm Beach County)

West Palm Beach – Wreck Diving

In 1942 along with many other vessels she was requisitioned and commissioned by the Navy who eventually sold her to a Honduran company in 1948.

She later became a derelict and was donated to the artificial reef program in 1968. In getting her prepared for sinking the hatches were removed to enable safe penetration by scuba divers.

After her sinking she arrived upright and intact on the sandy bottom in 90 feet of water and began her life as an artificial reef.

Over the years storms and strong currents have altered this site with severe damage done to the stern and bow of the ship with the bow of the ship now open and exposed.
You will find this to be a very popular dive site as the exterior is fun to explore with its three decks and passageways now covered with marine life such as orange cup corals and gorgonians with strong vibrant colors.

Fish you can expect to see here are barracuda, jacks, southern rays and it’s not uncommon to spot turtles around this wreck. One of the great sights should you be lucky are the goliath groupers which frequent this well established wreck.

West Palm Beach Scuba Videos

One of the attractions of West 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 the Mizpah and it gives you an idea of what to expect when diving the numerous wrecks around West Palm Beach. What a great shot of the goliath groupers. (Press the button second right on the bottom of the video player to see it in full screen)…

Terence’s Log

You will fully appreciate the Mizpah if you are an intermediate or experienced diver. There can be strong currents and at 90 feet you may have limited bottom time but the trip is well worth it.

The cargo hold has easy access and is full of schooling fish. When I was there the light was great but as with most wrecks you will want to bring a torch to fully appreciate and explore this established wreck.