A World War Two era Coast Guard cutter is now Southwest Florida's newest underwater attraction, as the USS Mohawk was sunk Monday to become a new artificial reef off the coast of Sanibel.
A special charter of scuba divers became the first to explore the new reef, just a few hours after the sinking.
In the deep blue of the Gulf of Mexico, that piece of Coast Guard history now rests on the sea floor. The Mohawk is now an underwater dedication to American veterans.
More than 20 divers suited up on the Ultimate Getaway for the ultimate adventure, around and inside a brand new attraction.
"It's a little turned up from all the settlement, wood from the decks floating around down there, the lifeboat hanging off the side of it, all tore up from the explosion I guess," diver Adam Smith described the conditions.
"There's lots of wood planking coming off the wreck in really big chunks," said diver Mike Muscato.
The first exploration came on a clear, calm day; perfect conditions, just hours after a man-made shipwreck.
Divers say the Mowhawk settled perfectly on the sea floor, upright and open for exploration.
"One the word gets out, Lee County is on the map for rec diving," said Scuba Vice owner Ramiro Palma, who organized the inaugural dive. "It's an incredible shipwreck, it's going to be wonderful for divers from all over the world to come dive in.
Many of the ship's artifacts were left intact, and several special "treasures" have been hidden on board for early explorers.
Shipwrecks aren't unusual destinations for experienced divers, but rarely do they get the chance to do it so soon after it was created.
"Very unique, to see it floating and dive it all in the same day," Muscato said.
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