Revision 7/10/2008 10:40 PM
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Benwood Wreck
N 25° 03.160’ W 080° 20.020’, Key Largo, FL
Max Depth: 51-60ft/16-18m
Average Viz: 81-90ft/25-27m
Entry Type: Boat
Bottom Composition: Sand
Aquatic Life: Plenty To See
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Key Largo Fl. She is a 285-ft. 1910 English-built ship. She sailed a crew of 38 with 12 rifles and one four-inch gun. The Benwood sunk in 1942 after colliding with another ship. The actual sinking of the Benwood, has been a subject of much controversy. One account is. The freighter was torpedoed during World War II by a German submarine off the Florida Keys. As she sailed in search of shallower waters, she was again hit, this time by a passing ship, the Robert C. Tuttle. Five shells on board exploded ending this ship’s possibility for being salvaged. A second account claims the two ships, the Benwood and the Tuttle, collided after rumors of German U-boats in the area required her to travel completely blacked out. The bow of the Benwood collided with the port side of the Tuttle.
Her bow now lies in 25 fsw. Depths of this dive range down to 55 feet at her stern. Goatfish, grunts, moray eels, snapper, lobster, and grouper frequent this wreck. Be careful to avoid the fire coral. This is a great night dive due to the bioluminescent creatures of this location. Moderate current is often present. Divers at all levels will find this a great day-time dive. She lies between French Reef and the Dixie Shoals. She is marked by a spar buoy and four mooring buoys. GPS Location: N 25° 03.160’ W 080° 20.020’