The Wickstrom

On January 21,
2003 the Wickstrom Reef was created. With over 50 private boats
looking on, the ship previously known as the “Lady Laura,” “Tauros,”
and U.S. Army FS 553, this 168 ft. coastal freighter started it's
new life as a haven for an abundant of deep-water marine species.
Florida Sportsman magazine founder and editor Karl Wickstrom and the
Martin County Anglers Club purchased the vessel, and its deployment
was a cooperative effort among Martin County and several marine and
diving organizations.
Given its depth, distance offshore and proximity to the strong
currents of the Gulf Stream, the Wickstrom is appropriate for blue
water anglers only. It is an advanced decompression wreck dive
requiring a helium/oxygen mix, and should not be attempted by
recreational divers.
This amazing deep water site hosts dozens of grouper, amberjack and
spadefish. Warsaw Grouper have also been spotted at this location.
In 2005, several Reefmaker units were added to the corridor between
the Wickstrom, Tree Barge and High Queen / Zeppo reef sites. These
units will add to the available growth structure.
Update: Dive teams visited the Wickstrom in 2008 to find life there has grown with many different species calling the reef home. Also noted on their dives were rare forms of coral growing in several locations throughout the wreck.
Reef Specs:
Location: Lat. N27 13.492' , Lon. W80 00.318'
Depth: 188 feet
Profile:
71 feet Materials: Steel freighter