Treasure Coast · United States · Wreck · Artificial reef
USS Muliphen
A Navy attack cargo ship on the sand at 53 m
The USS Muliphen is a 140-metre Navy attack cargo ship (459 feet) sunk as an artificial reef off Fort Pierce in 1989. Her main deck lies at about 44 m (145 ft) and the sand at 52-53 m (170-175 ft), so this is an offshore dive for trained technical divers, with gag grouper, spadefish, amberjack and barracuda on the wreck.
Also known as Muliphen, AKA-61.
Where it is and how deep
27.4055° N, 80.0056° WPublished position for this site.
The dive
The Muliphen lies offshore near the influence of the Gulf Stream, and a northward-moving current commonly runs over it. The wreck remains largely upright and recognisable, although hurricanes in 2004 broke it into two major sections. Because of a starboard list, the main deck lies at about 44 m (145 ft) on the port side and around 49 m (160 ft) on the starboard side.
Below the deck the surrounding sand is at about 52 m (170 ft), and parts of the trench left by the collapse go beyond 61 m (200 ft). Large schools of spadefish hang around the structure, gag grouper shelter in it, amberjack and other pelagic species swim above it, and barracuda patrol the water column.
The wreck
- Vessel
- USS Muliphen (AKA-61/LKA-61)
- Type
- Andromeda-class attack cargo ship
- Length
- 140 m (459 ft)
- Sunk
- 1989
- Cause
- Intentionally sunk as an artificial reef
- Lies
- Largely upright with a starboard list, in two sections, on sand at 52-53 m
The USS Muliphen (AKA-61/LKA-61) was an Andromeda-class attack cargo ship that served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1970. After being decommissioned and removed from the Naval Vessel Register, she was intentionally sunk as an artificial reef on 21 January 1989 off Fort Pierce. Hurricanes in 2004 fractured the wreck into two major sections.
Marine life and season
- Groupers
- Trevally & jacks
- Barracuda
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair |
Season follows Treasure Coast: Diveable all year and no month stands out; the water averages about 22 °C in January, the coldest month, and 29 °C in August.
Know before you go
- The whole wreck lies beyond recreational depth limits, from 44 m (145 ft) at the deck to over 61 m (200 ft) in the trench; dive it only with technical training and gas planning.
- Current strength, visibility and surface conditions can change quickly offshore near the Gulf Stream; a northward current is common.
Dive videos
USS Muliphen (175’) ⛴️ · andreandrade on YouTube
Questions divers ask
How deep is the USS Muliphen wreck?+
The main deck lies at about 44 m (145 ft) on the port side and 49 m (160 ft) on the starboard side, the sand is at 52-53 m (170-175 ft), and parts of the trench go beyond 61 m (200 ft).
What certification is needed to dive the USS Muliphen?+
It is a serious offshore wreck dive for qualified advanced and technical divers who are trained, equipped and experienced for 44-53 m (145-175 ft).
Sources
- USS Muliphen Wreck - 6 Pack — Stuart Scuba
- USS Muliphen — Wikipedia
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