The Ancient Mariner

This 165’ retired Coast Guard Cutter had fallen on hard times and already having sunk at her dock twice before. Commissioned in 1934 as the "Nemesis" the cutter performed coastal watch and lifesaving duties from her home port of St. Petersburg FL her entire career, save the war years when he was a sub hunter in the Gulf of Mexico and Southeast Atlantic. It was unusually blustery June day that kept many local boats is port who would have customarily been out to wish the latest artificial reef a last farewell. In less than ideal weather, and mostly unseen by the rest of the world, she gave up and sunk obediently beneath the waves. The Nemesis was built before the era of welded steel ships and, as the Ancient Mariner, is a piece of history in many ways yet today. She has some easy penetration, and is a great wreck for the beginning diver.