N2Junkie.com

Vessel Type: Package Freighter

Built: 1889 at Buffalo, New York, USA

Length x Beam x Depth ft [m]: 270.3' x 40.2'x 15.4' [82.39] x [12.25] x [4.69]

Tonnage: 2103.36 Gross, 1834.65 Net

Official Number: 120753

Other Names: None

Loss Details:

Collided with steamer GEORGE W. ROBY in dense fog, sank in 12 min. Wreck located in Jul. 1994 by Ed Ellison.

Date of Loss: Friday, May 21, 1897

Location of Loss: Off Presque Isle, Michigan USA

Site Details:

The Florida sits upright on a hard bottom. The stern is collapsed, sheared off from the forward section of the ship which is largely intact.
This very large wooden steamer sits well off of the bottom. A view of the bow looking aft provides a good perspective of the magnitude of this spectacular dive site. The ships name appears clearly on the forward capstan. Opportunity for exploration lies everywhere. Numerous artifacts are located in the large cargo holds, including numerous crates, barrels, and hand carts for moving said. The stern structure forward of the collapse is intact. A fire ax remains cradled in its wall hangers here. Swimming aft of the stern structure, the stern has sheared off cleanly and collapsed. The massive engine lies amongst the tangled wreckage. Making the turn here, looking forward, provides an awesome view of the cross section of the ship. One could dedicate an entire week diving this ship. Another gem.

Highlights: Large open holds contain general frieght and hand trucks, Capstan embezzled with her name, Anchors, Navigation Lights, Fallen Mast and Rigging, Engine/Machinery.

Dive Depth ft [m]: 170'-200' [51.8-61.0]

Package Freighter Florida

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