Eagle

This 287-foot long mid-twentieth century freighter nearly escaped its fate when on the night of December 19, 1985, it broke free from the moorings that held it in its designated sinking spot. The original plan had been to sink Eagle next to another artificial reef called the Alexander Barge. Once those involved with preparing the ship realized they were adrift they quickly responded by dropping its port anchor. The following day, Eagle was sunk at the new location slightly north of the target sinking location.

History

The freighter Eagle, then known as Raila Dan, was launched at Werf-Gorinchem, Holland, in December 1962 as a conventional hull freighter. In the following 20 years, the vessel had several owners and seven name changes after launching.

On October 6, 1985, the freighter, named Arron K. at that time, caught fire 100 miles south of Miami. Two U.S. Coast Guard cutters responded to its distress call, but the ship's superstructure was destroyed. After being declared a total loss, the Florida Keys Artificial Reef Association purchased the derelict for $30,000 and Joe Teitelbaum, a private citizen, donated another $20,000 to help create an artificial reef. Renamed Eagle Tire Company in recognition of that sponsoring business, the freighter was cleaned, gutted of all wooden parts, and all oil and fuel was removed to protect the marine life in the area.

Archaeology

Eagle has a number of interesting structural features that make it a notable dive attraction. A large anchor chain exits the hawse pipe on the port bow, and continues a considerable distance before disappearing in the sand.

Two large mast assemblies rest on the bottom. One is set on the forecastle; the other, amidships between cargo bays. Each has its own ladder and observation platform in place. Toward the stern there is a tandem set of cargo booms. Heat damage from the fire can be observed in the stern quarter. The deck railings at 70 feet, and its propeller and rudder at 110 feet, are still intact.

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