Florida to boast new diving site

Divers planning to visit the US state of Florida this summer will be able to explore a new underwater site off the island of Key West.

The Vandenberg, a decommissioned US Air Force missile-tracking ship, was transported to Chesapeake Bay in south-east Virginia on April 12th on its way to the Florida Keys.

It was then led on the final stage of its journey by the Elsbeth III, a 90ft ocean-going tugboat, which is expected to bring it to its final destination six miles south of Key West within five days.

An additional month of work will then be required before the Vandenberg can finally be sunk, providing a brand new site for divers and a habitat for marine wildlife.

Joe Weatherby, founder of the organisation that has worked to bring the ship to Key West, said: "There is simply nothing else like the Vandenberg for divers.

"There are a dozen dive points that will come within 40 to 50 feet of the surface, while deeper areas will provide opportunities for advanced divers."

The Florida Keys is a collection of islands located south-east of the Florida peninsula. The archipelago is most easily reached by taking flights to Miami or Fort Lauderdale.

Posted by Andrea, 15 April 2009 13:12

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