Doc DeMille

The Doc DeMilly is a 287 foot steel freighter with more than 70 feet of relief. Sunk by DERM (Department of Environmental Resource Management) south of Miami near Pacific Light by Air Force bombers from Homestead Air Force Base. Concrete bombs are often used for target practice, offering the pilots an opportunity to sink the ship while providing divers and fishermen with another great artificial reef structure.

Because it was not "blown up" with explosives as most of Miami's Artificial Reefs, it is totally intact. Despite the fact that it was in the direct path, this wreck was not affected by Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Perhaps because of its size or weight? We don't know the reasons, but it remains a classic deep water wreck dive, and truly impressive.

Because of its depth (140+) and immense size, it takes several dives to truly explore this artificial reef. On my most recent dive I counted a family of six jewfish (Goliath Groupers) that live within the wreck. You need to be one of the first down in order to see them, as they are shy and reclusive and will hide in the dark engine room where most divers won't venture.