Clearwater, Dunedin & Tarpon Springs · United States · Wreck · Artificial reef
Tug Orange
A 1903 steel harbour tug sitting upright in 14 m
The Tug Orange is a steel-hulled harbour tug built in 1903, now part of the Pinellas County Artificial Reef Program. The 24 m (80 ft) hull sits upright in 14 m (45 ft) of water, so the whole boat can be seen on one dive. Its moderate depth makes it a straightforward first wreck.
Where it is and how deep
27.7889° N, 82.9765° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
The tug sits upright on the bottom in 14 m (45 ft) of water. At 24 m (80 ft) long, it is small enough to swim around completely on one tank, and the upright position keeps the shape of a working harbour tug clear from above as divers descend onto it.
The hull is steel, built in 1903 for harbour work, and it now forms part of the Pinellas County Artificial Reef Program. A circuit of the outside of the hull stays within the 14 m (45 ft) depth of the sand around it, which leaves comfortable bottom time before the ascent.
The wreck
- Vessel
- Tug Orange
- Type
- Steel-hulled harbour tug
- Length
- 24 m (79 ft)
- Built
- 1903
- Cause
- Placed as part of the Pinellas County Artificial Reef Program
- Lies
- Upright in 14 m (45 ft) of water
Marine life and season
The sources we used don't single out particular species here.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Good |
Season follows Clearwater, Dunedin & Tarpon Springs: No month stands out. The water is coolest in January at about 18 °C and warmest in August at about 30 °C; June-September is the wet season.
Dive videos
Tug Orange · Jim's Dive Shop on YouTube
Questions divers ask
How deep is the Tug Orange wreck?+
The Tug Orange sits upright in 14 m (45 ft) of water off Pinellas County.
How big is the Tug Orange?+
The tug is 24 m (80 ft) long. It was built in 1903 as a steel-hulled harbour tug.
Sources
- Tug Orange (Wreck) — Scubago
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