Benwood

Diver in a black wetsuit viewing the sealife growing on the metal encrusted remains of the shipwreck's bow — *Benwood*'s crushed bow is evidence of the collision that sank the steamship. The vessel lies between French Reef and Dixie Shoals surrounded by low-profile coral reef and sand in depths ranging from 25 to 45 feet. Photo: Matthew Lawrence/NOAA

History

Benwood was built in Stockton-on-Tees, England in 1910, by Craig, Taylor, and Co. LTD. At the time of its loss, it was owned by a Norwegian company and registered as a merchant marine freighter measuring 360 feet long with a 51-foot beam. In response to the U-boat threat during World War II, it was armed with 12 rifles, one 4-inch gun, six depth charges, and 36 bombs.

Black and white photo of a large ship on a calm sea with a tugboat alongside — Historic image of *Benwood* at anchor. Photo: Monroe County Library

On the night of April 9, 1942, Benwood was northbound on a routine voyage from Tampa, Florida, to Norfolk, Virginia, carrying a cargo of phosphate rock. Rumors of German U-boats in the area caused the steamer's crew to extinguish all external lights to prevent detection. Heading southbound in the same shipping lanes, the steamship Robert C. Tuttle was also blacked out on its voyage to Atreco, Texas.

Diver in a black wetsuit swimming over the bow of a large — A diver swims over the bow of *Benwood*. Photo: Matt Lawrence/NOAA

Not recognizing their peril until it was too late, Benwood's bow collided with the port side of Tuttle. As it was a newer and larger ship, Tuttle was not in immediate danger, but Benwood's bow was crushed and taking on water. The captain turned Benwood toward land and a half an hour later gave orders to abandon ship. The next day the steamship was found grounded with its keel broken. Insurance underwriters declared it a total loss.

Salvage began soon after the sinking and continued into the 1950s. It is believed that the vessel was intentionally blown up to mitigate potential navigational hazards. The U.S. Army also used it for aerial target practice after World War II. This is one of the most popular shipwreck dives in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Archaeology

Model of a shipwreck created using hundreds of images stitched together — An orthomosiac model of the remains of the shipwreck *Benwood* in 2017. Photo: Indiana University

The remains of Benwood are scattered over a wide area. The bow of the ship is the most-intact feature, forming a 25-foot vertical profile in the water column. Aside from its bow, the hull structure is mostly intact up to the level of its hold deck. Large steel knees join the deck plate to the outer hull and sides of the vessel. These knees are massive reinforced triangles of steel which outline the ship's hull shape despite the loss of the hull plates themselves.

Interactive 3D Model

The image below activates a 3D model created using multi-image photogrammetry. Click the image to load the model, and then click, hold, and adjust your mouse to view the model from different angles.

The photogrammetric model is composed of 6,460 aligned images collected June 1, 2017 by scientific divers from Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Indiana University, and the Boy Scouts of America, with support from a NOAA Preserve America grant. The area modeled is about 3,070 square meters, with an estimated position error of 8.5 cm. Model and texture resolution were reduced for upload. Photogrammetric model processed by Matthew Maus, Indiana University.

Learn more about Indiana University's partnership with NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries in this webstory.

360-Degree Image

Explore the ship's remains on the seafloor without getting wet!

Site Map

Archaeological drawing of the shipwreck — *Benwood* Site Map. Credit: Indiana University

Buoy Map

A map of a shipwreck with four buoys nearby — Image: NOAA