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The Empire Mica was a British tanker, 465 ft. long, that was sunk by
a German U-Boat. Two torpedos from the U-Boat caused a series
of explosions which were heard along the Gulf coast of Florida, more
than 20 miles away. The ship burned for a day as it drifted
in the gulf, finally sinking in 105 ft. of water south of Cape San Blas,
Florida.
The explosions did a great deal of damage to the Empire Mica. Most
of what's left of it is just a large debris field. Part of
the bow section, however, is relatively intact, and rises 50 or 60 feet
above the bottom.
It's an authentic relic of WWII, unlike most of Florida's other
wrecks which were purposely sunk for diving.The Empire Mica is an impressive wreck, even if it's mostly broken
up. It's huge cargo holds offered plenty of great places to
explore, and the surprisingly clear, warm water had brought a wonderful
assortment of fish and reef creatures to the site.I enjoyed the Empire Mica more than any other wreck I dove in
Florida.My Dive Buddy (shown here) for my dives on the Empire Mica was Paul
Bonge, of New Orleans, LA |
