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Dive into history at the Hannah M. Bell shipwreck, a captivating dive site in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary near Key Largo. Resting in 15 to 25 feet of crystal-clear water, this 315-foot British steamship offers a unique blend of maritime heritage and vibrant marine life. Divers will explore scattered iron hull structures, swim past towering elkhorn coral, and marvel at well-preserved riveted steel framing. Easily accessible by mooring buoy, this site is perfect for snorkelers and novice to intermediate divers. Discover why this once-forgotten wreck, known for years as “Mike’s Wreck,” is now one of the Keys’ must-see underwater treasures.
Moray eel spotted while diving the Hannah Bell wreck.
The Hannah M. Bell wreck has become an oasis for marine life, drawing an array of colorful reef species.
Divers can expect to encounter schools of snapper, angelfish, parrotfish, and even the occasional barracuda or reef shark. Soft and hard corals, including impressive elkhorn coral, thrive on the wreckage, providing shelter and food for invertebrates and juvenile fish. Sea fans sway in the gentle currents, and sponges add vibrant color to the iron hull.
This living reef showcases the resilience and beauty of ocean ecosystems.
The Hannah M. Bell was a British steamship launched in 1893, known for hauling cargo such as coal, cotton, and sugar across the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico.
On April 4, 1911, the ship ran aground on Elbow Reef during stormy weather while en route to Veracruz, Mexico. Although salvage attempts were made, worsening conditions forced the crew to abandon the vessel.
The wreck remained unidentified for over a century until maritime archaeologists confirmed its identity in 2012. Today, it stands as a powerful reminder of the rich maritime history hidden beneath the waves.
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects 2,900 square nautical miles of coral reefs, mangroves, and historic shipwrecks. Preserving these ecosystems is vital for marine biodiversity, coastal resilience, and future generations of ocean explorers.
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103100 Overseas Highway #33 Key Largo, FL 33037