Empire Mica B
Hello Wakulla
I’m picking up where I left off on my Empire Mica dive on July 7.
We made our way out to the Empire Mica and Kelly lowered the anchor on the port side of the wreck. On the first dive we swam to the stern of the wreck and swam around the massive boilers. We ascended to our safety stop and then back on the boat. We had some fruit and sandwiches that Kelly and crew provided for us.
After about an hour and a half we put on our gear and jumped back into the water. We descended down the anchor chain but this time George and I went to the bow of the wreck to see what was there.
After exploring that end we made our way a midships and found the massive spare prop that the Mica carried. It was impressive to say the least.
That is where I encountered the biggest amberjack I have seen. It was around 70-inches long and at least 2-feet in diameter. If I had a spear gun and shot it he probably would have pulled me to Cuba.
The AJ didn’t move because he was in a place that with me above it he couldn’t move anywhere. So I slowly moved away and he slowly swam off.
Along with the AJ there were some really big red snapper and gag grouper. I looked at my computer and it was going into deco so we had to make our way back to the anchor chain and we had to extend our safety stop for a few extra minutes until the computer gave the OK to surface.
Once we got back on the boat we secured our tanks and gear for the three hour trip back to Panama City.
I look back on the few times over the years that I have dove the Empire Mica and am saddened by what the ocean has done to it over the years.
This trip I saw a collapsed outline of one of the historic ships to come through our part of the Gulf in over 80 years.
It’s still a fantastic dive and if you have a chance to dive it I would highly recommend it. It should be on your list of dives to make.
Keep making bubbles.
– Russell Miller, NAUI instructor #59999