Ships History

The SS Copenhagen was constructed in the late 1800s in Sunderland, England. The SS Copenhagen was registered in Glasgow, Scotland, to the Glasgow Ship owners Company, Ltd., which used the vessel to transport cargo across the Atlantic. Launched in 1898, the SS Copenhagen met a watery grave only two years later during a voyage between Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Havana, Cuba.

The SS Copenhagen was transporting some 4,940 tons of coal when, without warning, it ran aground and became stranded on a reef. The crew began to unload cargo and efforts were made to free the ship from the reef but, ultimately, the vessel was abandoned.

An investigation into the sinking of the SS Copenhagen reported that the official cause of the accident was "improper navigation" by the ship's captain, William S. Jones. The wreck remained visible above the water for a prolonged period of a time, and the Navy used it for target practice during World War II before it sunk under the water.

While the 325-foot by 47-foot ship has been stripped of its engine, boilers, propeller and other machinery, it is well preserved, and many of its features are still recognizable. However, the bow section was removed during an excavation attempt and presently lies 200 yards southeast of the wreck. Today, the SS Copenhagen has become an artificial reef, and has stabilized, reaching a state of equilibrium with its environment.

Resident Marine Life

This is a well-established wreck site and there is an abundance of marine life that resides in the area. It is common to see large schools of small and medium tropical fish, stingrays large and small, eels, lobsters and the occasional Turtle or Eagle Ray..

Ready to go in this dive trip?

Extend your bottom time with Enriched Air (Nitrox) Course