Shipwrecks in the Gulf of Mexico include ships which have sunk or otherwise wrecked in the Gulf of Mexico

Over 600 shipwrecks and possible shipwrecks have been discovered in the northern Gulf of Mexico, mostly through oil industry sonar surveys in water depths up to 2,316 meters (9,800 feet). Thirty-three of these ships have been confirmed visually as historic vessels, either by divers or by ROVs such as those on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer .

Historical research indicates that over 2,000 ships have sunk on the Federal OCS between 1625 to 1951; thousands more have sunk closer to shore in state waters during the same period. Only a handful of these have been scientifically excavated by archaeologists for the benefit of generations to come.

Feb 21, 2025 · The Gulf of Mexico has witnessed shipwrecks from different epochs, periods, and conflicts. From ancient vessels to passenger steamships, thousands of sunken wrecks lie on the deep ocean floor throughout the Gulf of Mexico.

Clues to understanding the rich maritime heritage of the Gulf lie entombed in thousands of shipwrecks resting on the ocean floor throughout the Gulf. Shipwrecks are like time capsules preserving a single moment in time.

shipwrecks, in the Gulf of Mexico. The analysis follows the “landscape” model by establishing where ships were documented to have traveled, and, therefore, may have wrecked, in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf).

During the Okeanos Explorer Gulf of Mexico cruises, NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER) relied on the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and private industry to identify potential shipwreck targets for exploration.

The Gulf of Mexico holds a staggering number of shipwrecks, estimated to be in the thousands. Among the most famous are the USS Oriskany, an aircraft carrier sunk to create an artificial reef, and the SS Gulfstate, a steamship that met its fate during a hurricane.

There are about 750 named shipwrecks spanning the entire Gulf of Mexico, Florida Straits, and the Atlantic waters of Florida. Shipwrecks are a popular fishing and diving destination. Shipwrecks include intentionally laid wrecks for Artificial Reefs along with ships that found their fate on Florida's sea floor.

The Dive Slate is your gateway to twenty spectacular shipwrecks in the Gulf of Mexico. You may start your journey along the trail at any of the destinations. Upon completion of each dive, be sure to punch a hole along the bottom under the corresponding wreck number.