The Fantastico

Approx 50 miles off Fort Myers, FL

26’ 17.775N, 82’50.082W

Type of Dive

Boat

Depth

115 FT

Wreck History

One of the 12 marine casualties off Florida’s west coast , of the March 13, 1993 “No Name Storm”, Fantastico lives on as one of the preeminent dives in the Gulf of Mexico. The Honduran freighter built in 1963 was 205 feet long, and displaced approximately 987 tons. Enroute from Miami to Tampa with a cargo of fertilizer, Fantastico put up a gallant fight in a heroic rescue attempt by the U.S. Coast guard. Unfortunately with resources exhausted by numerous other rescues, and extreme 60 mile per hour winds and 30-40 foot seas, never expected, Fantastico finally surrendered to the sea. Of her crew of ten, 3 were rescued, 3 were found dead, and four were never recovered.

Dive Info

Still giving up artifacts as if she desires to be remembered, Fantastico is now also home to abundant sea life. She is one of the few wrecks in the Gulf still partially intact. Resting on her starboard side, it is still possible to make out some ship’s features such as the bow, railings, and wheelhouse. Upon my descent I was awed at the sight of countless nurse sharks resting on deck. Fantastico is also home to numerous goliath grouper, as well as various other sea creatures. Only experienced divers should attempt to dive this wreck