Kenny Keeping

Today was the final day of collecting data in the field at the Slobodna site. The objective today was to measure objects that we had not previously had the opportunity to do so. The morning was sweltering hot, just like about every other day on Key Largo during the month of August. Arriving on the site the teams had already discussed their dive plans and were ready to hit the water. This final day was not easy because we all knew it would be the last to collect measurements and for the most part the objects to be measured were a long distance away from our datum posts, in some cases this required that some groups tie together two large 150 foot surveyor’s tapes in order to achieve the required distance. These great lengths of tape long with high current made for some temporary entanglement delays, but they were quickly rectified and before long the teams were on their way to completing the task. At the end of the dive the different teams surfaced at varying times and waited for our other group members to return from below. This included resting on the boat and snorkeling in the water. Before long the others would surface and it would be time for those snorkeling procrastinators to take one final look at the Slobodna site, board their boats, and head off to another location.

The second dive location was also affiliated with the Slobodna wreck and known as the “Winch Hole” on the Molasses Reef. After our work we now believe that a large winch located in this area was from the bow of the Slobodna. After the ship had run herself aground the crew used the stern anchor in an attempt to pivot the vessel into deeper water. However strong winds prevailed and the winch gave way and was ripped from its base located on the deck of the Slobodna. The size of this massive winch gives some indication of the commotion that it created for the crew of the Slobodna when it came loose probably destroying everything in its path. Then sending the 172-foot ship bouncing across the reef, 1.74 nautical miles to its final resting place. Along with the winch the site also has large sections of chain that were broken from the anchor, and various portions of running gear.

The final step of our project was to return to the Quiescence lodge and complete the last mapping of the objects we recorded today. The work we did here will go to the National Marine Sanctuary Office in Key Largo and they will add it to their documentation of the Florida Keys Shipwreck Trail. This will aid them in the preservation of their underwater cultural resources, and educate the public dive community of the necessity to preserve these fragile sites for them, and future generations.