The LSD-32 Spiegel Grove is nothing short of an amazing dive site with an amazing history as a dive site to go with it. Sunk in May 17th, 2002; at the time she was the largest vessel ever intentional sunk for the purpose of becoming an artificial reef. Today she still remains one of the largest divable wrecks in the world. At 510′ in length she provides a massive playground for recreational and technical divers from around the world.
During my four years of living in Key Largo I had the privilege of diving the Spiegel Grove more then 300 times and logged more then three consecutive weeks worth of bottom time on the wreck. During these visits I got to spend a massive amount of time exploring the wrecks exterior and interior. During these visits I gathered hundreds of photos and hours worth of video on the wreck.
The Spiegel Grove has a very variable conditions. I encountered days with absolutely no current at all and more then 300′ worth of visibility. On other days I encountered zero vis conditions with currents so strong that it makes the wreck completely undivable.
Although the water temperatures make diving in the summer months the most comfortable, the winter months provide the best chance for outstanding visibility and little to no current. Sadly those times that provide the best vis and least amount of current is also the same time the weather conditions in the keys are at the worst.
Divers who are unfamiliar with the site should consider hiring a local guide who has significant experience diving the wreck. In my experience the area technical divers often make the best choice for guides on this amazing wreck. For those who elect to explore the wreck with out the assistance of an experience guide its important to remember to respect the levels of your training. The upper levels (above 90′) provide recreational divers with a large number of safe swim throughs. The 90′ & 100′ level of the wreck provides those with light penetration experience with a good number of locations to explore that provide for immediate exit points in the event of problems. Below 100′ divers will encounter a maze of passages, with no exit points and possible silt outs. Exploring the areas below the 100′ level should only be attempted by technical divers with advanced wreck penetration training.
To date nine people have died on this wreck, thinking that the risks were worth the rewards of visiting locations beyond their training level. In addition to those who have passed away countless divers including instructors have been injured (many resulting in chamber treatments) diving the Spiegel. Recreational divers and recreational instructors may be tempted to visit the props, lower levels or the sand around the wreck but its important to remember all of these locations sit outside of recreational diving limits. There is absolutely nothing that is worth dying for on this wreck.
My hope is that the information presented here will provide others with enough information to plan and execute the best possible dives they can during there visits to this amazing wreck.
The LSD-32 Spiegel Grove was constructed by the Ingalls Shipbuilding Corp., and launch on November 10th 1955. On June 8th 1956 she was commissioned by the United States Navy under the command of Captain S. Filippone. He shake down cruise took her from Norfolk, VA to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba from July 26th through September 15th.
On 9 January 1957, Spiegel Grove, with other ships of Transport Amphibious Squadron 4 (TransPhibRon 4), sailed from Morehead City, North Carolina, with elements of the 6th Marines embarked, for a tour with the 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean. She returned to Norfolk on 3 June and operated along the east coast for the remainder of the year. In November, she transported 364 Army troops to Labrador. In January 1958, the LSD was deployed with her squadron to the 6th Fleet on an extended tour which did not end until 6 October. On 22 October, Spiegel Grove was assigned to PhibRon 10, the new Fast Squadron. The years 1959 and 1960 saw the LSD participating in numerous operations along the east coast and in the Caribbean.
Spiegel Grove stood out of Norfolk in April 1961 with Task Force 88 (TF 88) for “Solant Amity II”, a good-will tour to the African coast. The force carried tons of medical supplies, food and disaster supplies, toys, books, and seed. During the four-month cruise, the ships visited Gambia, Durban, the Malagasy Republic, the Seychelles Islands, Zanzibar, Kenya, the Union of South Africa, Togo, and Gabon before returning home on 8 September. She then entered Horne Brothers Shipyard, Newport News, Virginia, for an overhaul that was not completed until early January 1962.
Spiegel Grove conducted refresher training and then spent March and April in amphibious exercises in the Caribbean. In May, she took part in operations supporting Malcolm Scott Carpenter’s manned space flight in Mercury-Atlas 7. In July and August, she returned to the Caribbean for “Phibulex 2-62″. On 1 December 1962 a tender availability period was begun to prepare the ship for “Solant Amity IV”. The LSD loaded supplies during January 1963 and sailed, on 15 February for her second good-will tour which lasted until late May. The ship steamed over 21,000 miles (39,000 km) and visited nine countries before returning home. Spiegel Grove next deployed to the Caribbean from July to September with PhibRon 8.
The landing ship has spent the greater part of her active service participating in amphibious exercises along the eastern seaboard and in the Caribbean. Spiegel Grove was deployed to the 6th Fleet from January to June 1964, 3 November 1966 to 11 May 1967; and from 17 April to 9 October 1971. She participated in “Operation Steel Pike I” off Spain in October 1964 and made a midshipman cruise to England and Denmark in 1970.
In 1983, she won the Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award for the Atlantic Fleet.
Spiegel Grove was decommissioned 2 October 1989 and her name struck from the Navy list on 13 December 1989. The ship then spent 12 years tethered in the Navy’s “Mothball Fleet” in Virginia’s James River.
In 1998 the LSD-32 Spiegel Grove was purchased by the state of Florida for the purpose of creating an artificial reef. To make this possible EPA actual raised the acceptable levels of PCB from 2ppm to 50ppm. PCB also known as polychlorinated biphenyl is a toxic chemical substance whose production was banned in the United States in 1979 and through out the world in 2001. This change in EPA policy set the way for other wrecks such as the Vandenberg and Oriskany to also be sunk as artificial reefs in Florida Waters. In addition to issues with the EPA additional red tape and financial problems delayed the sinking of USS Spiegel Grove for several years.
In May of 2002 the vessel was finally moved from Virginia to Florida only three years behind schedule. The sinking of the Spiegel Grove is an amazing tale. Her sinking was scheduled for Friday, May 17, 2002 at approximately 2:00pm. However, she had a mind of her own and prematurely began to sink, rolled over, and remained upside down for several days with her bow protruding from the water.
Resolve Marine Group hired by the Key Largo chamber of commerce at the sum of $250,000 dollars managed to fully sink the vessel three weeks later on June 11th, but she came to rest on her starboard side rather than keel-up as hoped. On June 26th 2002 the largest artificial reef was finally opened to divers. The project was originally expected to cost around $300,000.00 end up with a total bill of over $1.35 million dollars. The project costs now looks like the deal of the century when compared to the money spent to sink the Oriskany and the Vandenberg, also located in Florida waters.
In order to help offset the unexpected cost difference of over a million dollars, a medallion program was introduced. Gold-brushed commemorative medallions are sold at $250 a piece. The medallions are decorated with a raised likeness of the Spiegel Grove and will certify the purchasers as “Lifetime Sponsors” of the Spiegel Grove project. They are a limited-edition item and only 1,000 will be manufactured and sold. In addition, dive operators in the Upper Keys sell plastic medallions a year at a price of $10 each to cover the balance of the Spiegel Grove costs. The plastic medallions can be affixed to a diver’s scuba equipment as a keepsake.
The purchase of a plastic medallion is not required to dive the Spiegel Grove, however, dive operators are hopeful that most of the thousands of people who dive the wreck will recognize the value in helping to repay the costs.
Over the course of three years heavy currents dug a trench in the sand on starboard side of the wreck. On the afternoon of July 9th 2005 the power of mother nature did what man was unable to. Hurricane Dennis with estimated waves of 20′+ and massive currents pushed the Spiegel Grove into the trench that the current had been digging out for the last three years. As a result on July 11th when the first divers arrived on the site after the storms passing they found an interesting surprise. The Spiegel Grove was now sitting perfectly upright just as the original sinking plans had called for.
Since the passing of Hurricane Dennis the Spiegel Grove has remained stationary even after being passed over by multiple other storms stronger then Hurricane Dennis.
For those looking to get their with out the use of a charter operation, John Pennekamp State park rents small power vessels for a reasonable fee and also has a public boat ramp to launch your own vessel. Very few locations in the keys provide scuba tank rentals for divers not diving from a company vessel but the state park does provide tank rentals to those who are renting a boat from them.
To reach the Spiegel Grove from the Pennekamp boat ramp head out of the harbor, at the T in the channel (known as dangerous bend) head south west to reach the ocean. Once you have cleared the entry marker for Largo Sound Channel take a bearing of 110 degrees and travel for 5.21 nautical miles. This route keeps you clear of most of the reefs and you should find yourself in fairly deep water through out the trip. As you get close to the Spiegel you will see a red nun buoy #8. This buoy sits on the shore side of the Spiegel Grove to the North East of the wreck. From the nun buoy to the Spiegel Grove is about a 10 minute trip.
If you find yourself arriving during peak dive times for Key Largo on a good condition day the Spiegel will be easy to locate due to the number of commercial dive vessels that will be present at the site. During the summer months if you arrive during peak time periods, expect to have to wait to gain access to one of the mooring balls as they are commonly all in use. The best possible time to arrive at the site is around 11am or 3:30pm. Arriving at these times will put you on the site during the off peak times for the commercial vessels and you will likely have the site all to yourself.
Upon arrival on the wreck you will find a total of 8 mooring balls numbered 1 – 8. Divers should be aware that ball #7 & #3 are split lines. This means that as you descend down the line at the 50′ point you will get to an intersect with one line leading to the wreck and a second to the sand. When ever possible try to avoid these mooring locations to remove any possible confusion during descent and ascent. From a navigational stand point for divers mooring balls #4, #5 and #6 are the most desirable.
For many a dive on the Spiegel Grove is a dive of a life time, setting a precedence for what wreck diving is all about. The massive length (more then 2 football fields) results in a stunning view as you descend on a day with good visibility. Due to the depths of the wreck only those who have completed an advanced open water course and have a number of deep dives should attempt dives on the Spiegel Grove. Although many instructors and operations may elect to take less experienced divers on the wreck to give them a taste of what awaits them as more experienced divers this is an extremely dangerous practice and is simply asking for someone to get hurt.
Due to the depths of the site divers completing dives on the Spiegel Grove should plan on using Nitrox mixes of around 30% and attaching emergency air sources on the mooring ball line at the safety stop level. Know in advance that the majority of the operations in Key Largo do not place emergency air sources on the mooring ball lines so you should be prepared to do this on your own, if you are not bringing a bail out cylinder with you during the dive.
Although there is a countless number of ways to conduct a dive on the Spiegel Grove, I have provided some ideas for routes and spots to visit. The below locations include some of the most popular locations to visit on the wreck. The routes provided are suggestions for reaching the locations only, and should not be followed blindly. I have intentional left out details on those sites which are beyond the level of entry level technical diving. Those seeking information on more advanced locations may contact me directly for information on exploring the lower levels of the Spiegel Grove.
Sponsorship Plaques
Skill Level: Beginner
Navigation Required: Easy
Max Depth: 95′
Overhead Env: None
Route Coming Soon
Visiting the sponsorships plaques is a most do for anyone looking for the photo to send home to friends. Just don’t forget you are going to need to have someone with you to take the photo for you.
Gun Mounts
Skill Level: Beginner
Navigation Required: Easy
Max Depth: 90′
Overhead Env: None
Route Coming Soon
For the fish lover and photographer the gun mounts are one of the best spots on the wreck. Night and day the three gun mounts on the wreck are home to lots of life.
The Props
Skill Level: Advanced
Navigation Required: Easy
Max Depth: 140′ – 150′
Overhead Env: Limited
Route Coming Soon
For most wreck divers visiting the props is a must, and the props of the Spiegel Grove are massive and provide a great photo opt for those who have the proper training and experience to deal with the depth of the props.
Visiting Snoopy
Skill Level: Advanced
Navigation Required: Intermediate
Max Depth: 100′
Overhead Env: Yes
Route Coming Soon
Known as the “Top Dog” of the fleet a picture of Snoopy riding an alligator can be located on the floor of the main hallway in the center of the ship. This is a fairly easy route for those with limited penetration experience.
Anchor Engines
Skill Level: Intermediate
Navigation Required: Easy
Max Depth: 110′
Overhead Env: Yes
Route Coming Soon
A great way for those lacking the experience needed for deep levels of penetration to see some of the amazing engine equipment on the Spiegel Grove. Direct access from the main deck limits the need for penetration experience.
Main Passages
Skill Level: Advanced
Navigation Required: Intermediate
Max Depth: 100′
Overhead Env: Yes
Route Coming Soon
The main passages are a fun route that provide for an easy penetration dive and includes visits to some of the most popular areas of the wreck. Due to the route it is extremely easy to decrease the distance for those attempting the route using a single cylinder. For those wishing to it is also extremely easy to add a visit to snoop, the kitchen, or the anchor engines room to this route.
Kitchen & Dinning Area
Skill Level: Advanced
Navigation Required: Advanced
Max Depth: 110′
Overhead Env: Yes
Route Coming Soon
The Kitchen and Dinning area provides for a great route and also includes a visit “Snoopy”. This is an advanced penetration route and due to the nature of the route it is not possible to run lines. There are locations in this route that are somewhat of a tight squeeze, so use caution not to get stuck!
Roaming Statues
Skill Level: Varies
Navigation Required: Varies
Max Depth: Varies
Overhead Env: Yes
When it started no one really knows but placed through out the interior of the wreck you will find multiple lawn orienament sized statues. If you happen to locate one during your dive tradition says you should relocate the statue to a new home on the wreck. Please keep in mind the statues should remain inside the wreck at the 100′ deck or above.
S&R Dives
Skill Level: Advanced
Navigation Required: Advanced
Max Depth: 140′
Overhead Env: No
Due to the heavy currents and deep depths, its not uncommon for divers of all levels to lose items during the descent and ascent to the wreck. Those with the proper training will find the Spiegel Grove to be a gold mine of dive equipment ranging from small value items all the way to dive computers & camera setups. Due to current directions divers looking to do search and recovery dives should focus there attention to the port side of the vessel from midship to approximately 200′ back from the stern.
Goliath Grouper
According to the REEF surveys the Goliath Grouper is only seen about 13% of the time, but in my experience this number is much much higher. I suspect the low number is as a result of divers being able to reach the locations of the Groupers and being able to find them. Personally I have seen them on about 80% of my dives or more. There are a title of three resident Goliath Groupers who are permeant residents of the Spiegel Grove its just a matter of knowing where to look.
Most of the time they can be found in the stern area of the vessel around the cranes or props. During the summer months silverside minnows will gather around the props and during this gathering the Goliath Groupers are sure to be nearby. When they are not found around cranes or props they can often be located in the well deck area towards the back grates.
Nurse Shark
Nurse Sharks are a common sighting on the Spiegel Grove but they are often overlooked by recreational divers. This is because they hang out on the sand (most often on the starboard side of the ship. The starboard side is most common as they will sit in the sand on the side of the vessel that the current flows into in order to feed. Due to the depth of 130′ at the sand it sits right on the edge of recreational dive limits. As you travel the deck on the starboard side of the spiegel keep an eye on the sand and you may see a Nurse Shark or two.
Sea Turtles
Both the Hawksbills and Loggerheads are seen on a fairly regular basis. Most often they are encountered swimming over the area known as the swimming pool around the cranes. In most cases they will be seen by the first divers in the water for the day; as a result of abuse by divers the turtles around the spiegel have become quite skittish of divers.
Green & Spotted Morays
Moray eels can be found all around the Spiegel Hiding in little nooks and crannies. If you go slow and keep your eyes peeled its rare you will not see one during your dive. At night the eels will come out and feed and are a much easier find.
Lion Fish
Lion fish are a pretty regular sight for technical divers on the Spiegel but are pretty rare for recreational divers. The recent efforts to remove this invasive species from the FL Keys have resulted in those Lion Fish who visit the areas of the wreck frequented by recreational divers being killed off. The interior, along the base of the wreck at sand level, and the props are the most common locations to see Lion Fish.
Southern Stingray
I have encountered a large number of Southern Stingrays on the Spiegel while others have told me they never see them. Each and every time I have seen them it has been on the main deck either around the gun mounts or near the port side crane. Like the Sea Turtles ever time I have encountered sting rays on the spiegel I was either with a very small number of divers or was the first diver in the water.
Divers wishing to expand their training while visiting the Spiegel Grove may want to consider the following courses:
Enriched Air Diver:Training in the use in mixed gas is almost a must not only for this site but for almost any dive site. If you are not already certified in the use of mixed gas its worth having of a read of this article for a better understanding as to why it should be the first thing on your list.
Deep Diver:The Spiegel Grove presents a great site for recreational training as a deep diver. Unlike many locations were instructors can barely get enough depth to meet the requirements of the course, this site allows easy access to the needed depths for training as a deep diver. One note of warning is if you are going to be seeking deep diver training in the Key Largo area be sure to do it with one of the technical dive shops who actually understand how to teach this course properly.
Spiegel Grove Diver: More of a glory certification then anything else, the Spiegel Grove Diver course is a PADI distinctive speciality course developed by a couple of local dive instructors. This is of course the only site in the world were you can obtain this certification.
Recreational TriMix Diver:Training in the use in mixed gas is almost a must not only for this site but for almost any dive site. If you are not already certified in the use of mixed gas its worth having of a read of this article for a better understanding as to why it should be the first thing on your list.
Entry Level Technical Diver Training:
Advanced Wreck Penetration Training:
Dive Site Details
Vessel Beam: 84 ft. / 26m
Vessel Draft: 19 ft. / 5.8m
Lat & Lon: 25.066667 / -080.311000
Avg Depth: 80 ft. / 24m
Max Depth: 150 ft. / 45m
Skill Level: Advanced / Technical
Media Gallery
R.I.P
- 2003: Eunice Lasala, 48
- 2005: Tarik Khair-el-din, 44
- 2006: David Hargis, 48
- 2007: Jonathan Walsweer, 38
- 2007: Kevin Coughlin, 51
- 2007: Scott Stanley, 55
