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| MileMarker: | 81 |
| Location: | Lat 24 51.07 Lon 80 37.21 200 yards offshore of Alligator Light, between coral heads |
| Markers: | |
| Depth Range: | 8 to 40 feet deep |
| Skill Level req.: | beginner to intermediate |
| Risks/Warnings: | none |
| History | |
| The USS Alligator was a Man of War copper and bronze-fitted gunship, built in 1820. She served in the West Indies Squadron against Caribbean pirates. In November, 1822 she was returning to Key West after escorting a convoy. She had seen combat in that tour and her commander, Lieutenant W.H. Allen was critically injured. Unfortunately, she grounded on what became called Alligator Reef. Salvage crews from the Bahamas assisted the US Government remove all items of value from the ship before the Navy blew her up. Alligator Reef Lighthouse was subsequently built nearby to protect shipping from the reef. |
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| Dive Description | |
| Today, the USS Alligator is little more than a glorified pile of ballast stones. Corals and other sea life have overgrown every inch of the pile. The south side features a resident moray eel. Scorpion fish are commonplace among the ballast stones (beware!). The surrounding sea bottom is quite beautiful, with many types of coral, sponge, and sea fans. |
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| Divesite info by: Jonathan Brinkman | |
Divelog for USS Alligator - Wreck
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| LOWER KEYS info (Key West - 7 Mi. bridge) |
MIDDLE KEYS info (Marathon - Layton) |
UPPER KEYS info (Islamorada - Key Largo) |
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