Marathon, Florida, United States

Thunderbolt

The Thunderbolt is a 57-metre former United States Army cable layer launched in 1942 as the Randolph and used for cable work and lightning research before being donated to Florida and scuttled four nautical miles south of Marathon on 7 March 1986. She landed perfectly upright on a sand bottom at 37 metres, with the main deck around 30 metres and the wheelhouse at about 24 metres. The wreck is famous for the resident colony of goliath grouper that gather around the bow in the warmer months, often joined by green moray eels and large schools of horse-eye jacks. The cable spool that gave the ship its working purpose is still in place on the bow and is one of the most photographed features. Currents on the site are moderate but vary with the Gulf Stream and tide. Penetration is possible for trained wreck divers; the holds and engine room have been opened up for safe transit. Advanced certification and good gas planning are required by most operators.