The Spanish-American War-era battleship USS Massachusetts was scuttled for target practice in the emerald-green waters off Pensacola in 1921. The USS Massachusetts was dedicated as an underwater archaeological preserve on June 10, 1993, on the 100th anniversary of the ship's launching. Today, the 350-foot hulk is awash in emerald-green water, partially buried in a white sandy bottom. After spending 70 of her 100 years in the sea, the battleship has become a giant artificial reef.The remains of the USS Massachusetts are in 26 feet of water, a mile and a half south-southwest of Pensacola Pass at Latitude 30 deg 17 min 45 sec N and Longitude 87 deg 18 min 45 sec W, in the Fort Pickens State Aquatic Preserve. The wreck is marked with mooring buoys.Diving InstructionsDue to currents from the nearby pass, optimal diving conditions at the Massachusetts are at slack high and low tides. Visibility is best at high tide. Caution should be taken when sea conditions are above 2 or 3 feet, due to increased surge in the shallow water surrounding the wreck. Anchoring at the site should take into account surface currents, wind direction, and anticipated tidal change. Anchoring in the sand at the edge of the site will help to avoid fouling and losing anchors in the wreck. Minimum diving equipment should include: 1) open-water scuba equipment; 2) sharp knife; 3) gloves; and 4) a dive flag. Divers should not penetrate the hull due to structural instability and the presence of entanglements. A laminated underwater field guide is available from local dive shops to orient divers on a self-guided tour of the preserve. [ - ]

The Spanish-American War-era battleship USS Massachusetts was scuttled for target practice in... [ + ]