Surprise Inside Jim Atria Wreck

While a little deep to do long penetration dives on, this day we couldn't resist to take the long way into the engine room. Once inside and as far back as you can possibly go a nice surprise awaited us. What was it you say? Watch the video and you will see. The second thing we couldn't resist was to show the whole penetration dive without cuts, this made the video a little long but for those who don't do this type of dives it gives you an opportunity to see what we who do see.

In September 1987, the Broward County Artificial Reef Program sank the 240-foot Dutch freighter Poinciana, built in 1961 on her port side in 110 feet of water.  The name was changed to Jim Atria, after Jim Atria who is a Broward County developer, diver and sport fisherman. Atria played a major role in having the ship sunk, his way of thanking the community that had been so good to him over the years.

In 1992, Hurricane Andrew moved the ship more than 1/4 mile offshore and sitting upright to a depth of 132 feet.   One of her two masts are now broken off and one is intact,  rise to 70 feet, the highest point of the wreck and are covered by various corals and sea fans, providing great photo opportunities when ascending from the main deck. Other beautiful spots for memorable shots are the corner of the main deck as it meets the wheelhouse on the starboard side which, in itself is covered with staggering growth, and several open hatches adorned with tremendous growth. 

Wreck divers are invited to explore the inside of several openings at the wheelhouse at 95 feet.  For the naturalist, Black Groupers, and Hogfish can be found under the hull at the sand, Glassy Sweepers and Squirrelfish in the cargo hold, thousands of Snappers and Grunts hiding in nooks, schools of Barracuda hovering as you descend and Amberjacks speeding through thousands of swimming baitfish above.  Two decades of growth has made for a beautiful site, teeming with sea life, a favorite among local divers, standing out as one of the best.