The Austin Smith Wreck

The Austin Smith Wreck is a deliberately sunk 90-foot Bahamas Defence Force cutter serving as an artificial reef. The intact wreck lies with its bow facing east and is heavily encrusted with coral, sponges, and sea fans, providing shelter for reef fish; green moray eels often hide in nearby rock overhangs and Caribbean reef sharks commonly swim around the wreck. The wreck sits on sand at about 60–65 ft depth and is accessed by boat from a mooring or anchor. Divers typically circle the wreck, peering through open hatches and holds to view fish and invertebrates among oil drums and twisted cables. Water is warm, around 75–80 °F, with visibility often 60–100 ft and generally moderate currents. Hazards include entanglement on metal debris or cables, possible fuel or oil residue in the holds, and stinging fire coral; penetration of the wreck interior is not recommended unless properly trained, and good buoyancy control is required. The 90-foot cutter was decommissioned and intentionally sunk in 1995 as an artificial reef and remains intact; it is widely regarded as a popular dive included on liveaboard and charter itineraries in the Exuma Cays.