The S.S. Copenhagen sank on a stormy night in January, 1900 on its way to Havana with a load of coal. After more than a century lying just off the Lauderdale by the Sea shore, the wreckage provides habitat for an incredible diversity of marine life, including a 5' goliath grouper that warily watches visiting divers.

We will gather in the parking lot of the Sea Watch Restaurant to brief, buddy up, gear up, and go. The trip out includes a long surface swim to the mooring buoys that mark the resting place for the old ship. You can submerge early to enjoy the reef west of the wreck but you might want to save your air for the main attraction and cruise the reef on the way back in.

The Sea Watch staff have invited us to join them for lunch after the dive.

This is an ambitious swim for most divers but the dive itself is well within the skill level of open water certified divers. When the conditions are right, this is a spectacular dive on a prime site that is a protected State landmark. (see brochure at http://www.flheritage.com/archaeology/underwater/seamuseum/_docs/Copenhagen_brochure.pdf ).

RENTAL GEAR IS AVAILABLE for this dive but you must notify Liana so she can bring what you need. Post your request below or message Liana through the Meetup site. BCD's, $15; Reg sets, $15; air tanks, $10; Weights, $5 any amount.