The Sapona

S. S. Sapona The S. S. Sapona was a cargo steamer built by the Liberty Ship Building Company in Wilmington, North Carolina and launched in January, 1920. She was the sister ship of the Cape Fear. During World War II, the wreck was used for target practice by the Air Force and Navy. The legendary Lost Squadron of Flight 19 disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle on December 5, 1945 while returning home from a practice bombing of the Sapona. It is said that the bombing of the Sapona was stopped shortly afterwards. The S. S. Sapona lies in 17 feet of water, 4 miles south of Bimini Island in the Bahamas. Military target practice and the weather have stripped the hull of most of its concrete. The wreck is a very popular diving site since it is in such shallow water and attracts a multitude of fish. Historical Information on her can be found here at ConcreteShips.org Some more info on her past.




SAPONA (s/v) (Off.no.: 219402) Lch.as LONE STAR. Build: 1919 2.795 grt, 1.993 nrt., 3.590 dwt Dim: 86,00 x 14,02 x 8,61 m. Engine: T. 3-cyl., 1.520 ihp, designed speed 10½ knots Owners: 1919: United States Shipping Board, Jacksonville, U.S.A. 1924.04. Dismantled at Miami Beach and sold to a Bahamian which moored her just offshore Bimini. He used the vessel to store prohibited whiskey and rum runners would cruise to and from Florida picking up their illegal cargo. 1926. SAPONA was broken in two in a severe hurricane after being bounced off the sea bed by massive waves. During World War II, the SAPONA was utilized once again, this time as a target for bombing practice. Air Force and Navy planes flew from Florida to Bimini to drop bombs on her. The wreck is still there. (Thanks to Ian Peterson for the last part of her history.) Last update: 2000.12.28.
This is one wreck I would dive over and over.. Night and Day.

S. S. Sapona