Yard number 167 Type Cargo ship | Launched 7 July 1962 | |
Name Raila Dan (1962–67)
Barok (1967–74)
Carmela (1974–76)
Ytai (1976–77)
Etai (1977–81)
Carigulf Pioneer (1981–84)
Arron K. (1984–85)
Eagle Tire Co. (1985) Builder Bijker's Aannemingsbedrijf N.V. IJsselwerf, Gorinchem, Netherlands Fate Badly damaged by fire, 6 October 1985
Sunk as a artificial reef, 19 December 1985 | ||
Eagle was a freighter which was sunk intentionally near Lower Matecumbe Key, Florida, to become an artificial reef and diving spot.
Contents
Ship history
The ship was built in 1962 for Danish shipowners J. Lauritzen A/S at Bijkers Shipyard, Gorinchem, Netherlands, and named Raila Dan. In 1969 she was sold to the Dutch shipping company Poseidon and renamed Barok. In 1974 she was sold again, and renamed Carmela. She was then sold and renamed Ytai in 1976, and yet again sold, and renamed Etai the following year. In 1981 she was sold and renamed Carigulf Pioneer, and sold for the final time in 1984 and renamed Arron K. On 6 October 1985 the Arron K. caught fire while sailing from Miami to Venezuela, and was damaged beyond economical repair. On 19 December 1985 the ship was bought by the Florida Keys Artificial Reef Association, renamed Eagle Tire Co. and sunk as an artificial reef near Lower Matecumbe Key, Florida.
Wreck
Eagle lies approximately three miles north-east of the Alligator Reef Light, six miles off the coast of the Lower Matecumbe Key, in between 70–115 feet (21–35 m) of water. On 2 September 1998 the wreck was disturbed by Hurricane Georges and split into two separate pieces, 100 feet (30 m) apart.