The Florida Keys are littered with wrecks from the past. Ships loaded
with cargo from the new world and heading back to Europe would take
advantage of the Gulf Stream to speed up their journey. From time to time
while passing the Keys they would be forced onto the reefs by storms
and sink. The last thing I read quoted that between both England, and
Spain on record about 1000 ship where lost in these waters.
The El Infante was a treasure ship heading back to Spain. All that remains
is a large pile of ballast stones over an acre. Ranging from the size of your
fist to large boulders. These ballast stones are usually the only remains from
these wrecks of long ago. Their timbers eaten away by Teredo Worms. This
site has the largest collection of ballast stones in the Keys.
The San Pedro was part of a fleet in 1733 when it came to rest south of
Indian Key. Its ballast stone pile is one of the earliest artificial reef in
Keys. It has over the past 250 years developed a complex ecosystem.
Several cannons and an 18th century ships anchor has been added to the
site. You will notice that many of the ballast stones have been fused
together over the years. Some having nice coral heads growing from them.
The U.S.S. Alligator rest about 200 yards offshore of alligator Light. In 1822
it was escorting a convoy of ships when it went aground. With help from
Wreckers all its valuables were removed, then set afire. Today all you will
see is to piles of ballast stones fused together by time.
Clyde's Key West Scuba Diving
