The USS Massachusetts was a pre-dreadnought battleship commissioned in 1896 as part of the “Indiana” class, the first steel battleships built for the U.S. Navy. She participated in the Spanish-American War before being decommissioned in 1919. In 1921, the ship was sunk as a target during a training exercise by guns at Fort Pickens.

Article at a Glance

• The USS Massachusetts (BB-2) shipwreck is located approximately 1.5 nautical miles south-southwest of Pensacola Pass in 26-30 feet of water.
• The exact coordinates of the wreck are 30°17.795’N, 87°18.720’W.
• Scuba divers report the wreck is in great condition after nearly a century underwater and provides an opportunity to explore an intact American battleship.
• Marine life around the wreck includes schools of fish, mollusks, crustaceans, sponges, corals, turtles, and up to 7 Goliath groupers spotted at once.
• The shallow depth of 25-30 feet allows sunlight and makes it accessible, but also means strong currents requiring an experienced captain.
• The wreck has exposed internal features like turrets, ammunition tubes, and the anchor chain giving a glimpse into the battleship’s structure.
• It is recommended to dive with reputable Pensacola operators like MBT Divers or H2O Below, as the site is not safe for novices.

USS Massachusetts Shipwreck Location Coordinates and Depth

Depth

The USS Massachusetts (BB-2) shipwreck is located approximately 1.5 nautical miles south-southwest of Pensacola Pass in 26-30 feet of water. 

Location Coordinates

The exact coordinates are 30°17.795’N, 87°18.720’W.

What Do Scuba Divers Say About This Ship

Scuba divers have very positive things to say about diving the wreck of the USS Massachusetts (BB-2) off the coast of Pensacola, Florida:

The wreck is in surprisingly great condition after nearly a century underwater and is a popular spot for divers to explore. One diver described it as “one of the best dives I’ve ever done, with fish everywhere and a Goliath Grouper lurking in the wreck.” The shallow depth of 25-30 feet makes it an accessible dive site.

Divers can see massive schools of fish intermingling around the wreck, as well as larger marine life like stingrays, Goliath groupers, and several species of shark. Dolphins are also known to frequent the area, and their communications can sometimes be heard underwater.

However, the shallow depth and location in the Pensacola Pass can make for tricky conditions, with strong currents and tides. It’s recommended to dive with an experienced charter boat captain familiar with the area. The wreck is not considered safe for novice divers.

Overall, the USS Massachusetts provides history buffs an opportunity to dive a remarkably intact American battleship, while also enjoying the abundant marine life that has made the wreck its home. As one diver put it, “If you get a chance to dive it, it’s well worth the efforts!!!”

What Kind of Marine Life Can Be Found on The Ship

Divers can expect to see a variety of species, including:

• Mollusks and crustaceans
• Numerous species of fish
• Sponges and soft corals
• Turtles
• Goliath groupers – up to seven have been spotted at once

The wreck serves as an artificial reef, providing shelter and habitat for these creatures. Its shallow depth of 25-30 feet allows sunlight to penetrate, supporting the growth of marine life.

Massive schools of fish are commonly seen intermingling around the wreck. The battleship’s internal mechanisms, exposed by artillery fire and deterioration, offer divers a glimpse of the ship’s structure and the opportunity to spot features like turrets, ammunition tubes, and the anchor chain.

Key Information

What Makes The USS Massachusetts a Unique Diving Experience

Historical Significance

The USS Massachusetts is one of the oldest battleships in the U.S. Navy, commissioned in 1896. She served in the Spanish-American War and was later used for gunnery practice during World War I. Diving the wreck allows you to explore a remarkably intact piece of American naval history.

Shallow Depth

At a depth of only 25-30 feet, the USS Massachusetts is an accessible dive site. The shallow depth allows for ample sunlight and good visibility, making it suitable for both divers and snorkelers. However, the shallow depth also means strong currents and tides, so it’s important to dive with an experienced captain.

Diverse Marine Life

The wreck has become an artificial reef, attracting a wide variety of marine life. Divers can spot schools of fish, mollusks, crustaceans, sponges, soft corals, turtles, and even larger creatures like Goliath groupers, stingrays, and sharks. The abundance of marine life makes for an exciting and diverse underwater experience.

Intact Structure

Despite being sunk in 1921, the USS Massachusetts is in surprisingly great condition.Much of the ship’s structure remains intact, including turrets, ammunition tubes, and the anchor chain. Exploring the wreck provides a unique glimpse into the inner workings of a battleship.

How Does The USS Massachusetts Compare to Other Shipwrecks in Florida

Historical Significance

The USS Massachusetts is the oldest existing American battleship. Commissioned in 1896, she served in the Spanish-American War and World War I before being decommissioned in 1919. The wreck provides a unique window into late 19th/early 20th century naval history.

Accessibility

Located in only 26-30 feet of water, the USS Massachusetts is one of the shallowest major shipwrecks in Florida. At high and low tides, the wreck’s two 13-inch gun turrets are even visible above the surface. This shallow depth makes the wreck accessible to both scuba divers and snorkelers.

Condition

Despite being bombarded with artillery for target practice in 1921, the hull of the USS Massachusetts remains remarkably intact. Marine growth covers the wreck, which serves as an artificial reef teeming with fish life. The shallow depth and sandy bottom have helped preserve the wreck’s structure.

Designation as an Underwater Archaeological Preserve

In 1993, the USS Massachusetts was dedicated as Florida’s fourth Underwater Archaeological Preserve. It joined the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

This designation protects the wreck and promotes it as a heritage diving site, with underwater plaques and educational materials for visitors.

While Florida has many other historic shipwrecks, the USS Massachusetts stands out for its age, accessibility, condition, and protected status as an Underwater Archaeological Preserve. It provides a unique opportunity for divers to explore an intact American battleship while enjoying the abundant marine life that has made the wreck its home.

What is The Full History of The USS Massachusetts

The USS Massachusetts (BB-2) was an Indiana-class pre-dreadnought battleship that served in the United States Navy from 1896 to 1919.

Construction and Commissioning

• Ordered on June 30, 1890 as part of the Naval Act of 1890
• Built by William Cramp & Sons in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Laid down on June 25, 1891
• Launched on June 10, 1893
• Commissioned on June 10, 1896 with a crew of 473 officers and men

Spanish-American War Service

• Participated in the blockade of Cuban ports like Cienfuegos and Santiago in 1898
• Operated off the coast of Puerto Rico later in the war

Post-War Service

• Served with the North Atlantic Squadron after the Spanish-American War until 1910
• Used as a practice ship for U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen cruises to Europe in 1910 and 1912
• Transferred to the Atlantic Reserve Fleet in 1912, seeing little use
• Decommissioned on May 23, 1914

World War I Service

• Recommissioned on June 9, 1917 after the U.S. entered WWI
• Used by Naval Reserve gun crews for gunnery training in Block Island Sound until May 1918
• Redeployed as a heavy gun target practice ship in Chesapeake Bay

Decommissioning and Target Use

• Decommissioned for the final time on March 31, 1919
• Renamed “Coast Battleship Number 2” on March 29, 1919
• Struck from the Naval Vessel Register on November 22, 1920
• Loaned to the U.S. War Department and used as an artillery target ship
• Scuttled in shallow water off Pensacola, Florida on January 6, 1921
• Bombarded by coastal batteries at Fort Pickens and railway artillery

The wreck of the Massachusetts remains off Pensacola to this day, serving as an artificial reef and popular dive site within the Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve system since 1993. In 2001, the wreck was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

What Historical Features Can Still Be Identified on the USS Massachusetts Wreck

Several historical features of the USS Massachusetts (BB-2) can still be identified on the wreck, despite it being submerged for nearly a century:

• The two 13-inch main guns are still visible above the surface at low tide
• Artillery fire and deterioration have exposed various internal mechanisms, allowing divers to see turrets, turret covers, ammunition tubes, cupolas, boiler-hatch covers, the anchor chain, and the fighting top
• The wreck’s shallow depth of 26-30 feet keeps it well-lit by the sun

The USS Massachusetts was an Indiana-class pre-dreadnought battleship commissioned in 1896. She served in the Spanish-American War in 1898, participating in the blockade of Cuba and the invasion of Puerto Rico.

After the war, the Massachusetts continued to serve with the North Atlantic Squadron until 1914. She was briefly recommissioned during World War I for gunnery practice before being decommissioned for the final time in 1919.

In 1921, the battleship was scuttled off the coast of Pensacola, Florida to be used as a target ship for artillery fire. Despite being bombarded with railguns, experimental artillery, and dynamite in the 1950s, the wreck remains in surprisingly good condition.

The exposed internal mechanisms and visible main guns allow divers to explore the remains of this historic American battleship. 

What Safety Measures Are in Place for Divers Visiting the USS Massachusetts

Dive with an Experienced Charter Boat

The USS Massachusetts is only accessible by boat, as it sits 1.5 nautical miles south-southwest of Pensacola Pass. It’s highly recommended to dive with an experienced charter boat captain familiar with the area, as the shallow depth of 26-30 feet can make for tricky conditions. Choosing a reputable operator like MBT Divers or H2O Below is advised.

Dive with a Buddy

Diving the USS Massachusetts should always be done with a buddy for safety. The strong currents and tides in the Pensacola Pass can be challenging even for experienced divers. Having a dive buddy to watch out for you is crucial.

Use Dive Flags

Dive flags should always be used when diving the USS Massachusetts to alert boat traffic to the presence of divers in the water. The wreck is located in a high-traffic area, so clearly marking your dive site is essential for safety.

Maintain Adequate Floatation

Divers should ensure they have adequate floatation devices to help them navigate the strong currents. The shallow depth means you’ll be spending a significant portion of your dive in the upper water column where currents are strongest.

Avoid Diving as a Novice

The USS Massachusetts is not considered a safe dive for novices. The shallow depth can be deceiving, and the strong currents and tides make it a challenging site even for experienced divers. Proper training and experience is required.

List of Dive Shops That Prove Diving Trips to This Shipwreck

1. MBT Divers – An experienced charter boat operator that takes divers to the USS Massachusetts wreck site.
2. H2O Below – Another reputable charter boat company that offers dives to the USS Massachusetts.
3. Scuba Shack in Pensacola – Owner Eileen Beard has been diving the wreck for years and can provide guidance on the best times to visit.
4. Local dive shops in the Pensacola area – Many shops sell laminated maps of the USS Massachusetts wreck site to help orient divers.

It’s highly recommended to dive the USS Massachusetts with an experienced charter boat captain familiar with the area. The shallow depth of 26-30 feet and strong currents in the Pensacola Pass can make for challenging conditions. Choosing a reputable operator is crucial for a safe and enjoyable dive experience.

North Florida Wrecks

• USS Oriskany
• USS Massachusetts
• SS Tarpon
• SS Gulf America
• Empire Mica
• USS Chippewa
• Avocet
• Black Bart
• The Vamar
• San Pablo
• USS Narcissus
• The Loftus Wreck
• The Dorothy Louise
• The Mizpah
• MV Janet
• The Eidsvag
• YDT-14 and YDT-15
• USS Strength
• Miss Louise
• The Lulu
• PC-1174
• Three Coal Barges
• USS Accokeek (ATA-181)
• El Dorado
• The Grey Ghost
• The Pete Tide II
• Red Sea Tug