USS DUANE SHIPWRECK - Florida

Filmed/Edited by Juan Iribarren ‪@Underwater_Explorations‬ The Duane (WPG-33/WAGC-6/WHEC-33) was built in 1936 at the U.S. Naval Yard in Philadelphia. She was a 327-foot long Treasury Class Cutter, one of seven such vessels, and was named for William J. Duane, Secretary of the Treasury under Andrew Jackson. She had various assignments before being sent to the Atlantic in 1941, where she eventually served with the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Her service included an impressive wartime and peacetime record. On April 17, 1943, the Duane and her sister ship, the Spencer, sank the German U-boat U-77. She participated in four rescues at sea, picking up a total of 346 survivors. The Duane currently lies 125 feet deep in the bottom of Atlantic Ocean one mile south of the easily accessible Molasses Reef in the Florida Keys. Her hull and original rudders, screws, railings, ladders, and ports still intact. The ship supports a rich local fauna including bull-sharks, great barracudas, sea turtles, Goliath grouper, etc. Facts Call sign: NRDD Displacement 2,350 long tons (2,388 t) Length 327 ft (100 m) Beam 41 ft (12 m) Draft 12 ft 6 in (3.81 m) The dive: The site is not as frequently visited compared to the more famous USS Spiegel. The strong currents while descending and at the bottom being the main factor. We got lucky the day I shot the video with very mild current, and great visibility. Total bottom time was approximately 50 min (2 consecutive dives), enriched air nitrox 31%. Average water temperature 75F. Overall a fantastic wreck, with great history. Definitely an advanced skill level of certification required. Operator Horizon Divers in Key Largo (much thanks to them) Great wreck diving !!! Strongly recommended.