Diving at2009-5 (United States)
A tragic incident occurred on November 13, 2009, off Key West, Florida, involving a rebreather diver at the USNS Vandenberg wreck. This event underscores the critical importance of rigorous training, equipment familiarity, and diligent dive planning, particularly when engaging in technical diving. Despite being a non-penetration dive to 29.5 m (97 ft), a middle-aged male diver experienced problems at depth and made a rapid, uncontrolled ascent, ultimately proving fatal. His buddies, a technical diving instructor candidate and instructor trainer, also experienced mild DCS symptoms from their rescue efforts.
Tonight's objective overview for 2009-5 shows an air temperature of 22.2°C. The measured surface conditions include wave heights around 0.46m. This environmental data is logged for the close of the day.
Dive Site Coordinates
29.7790, -85.6935
Dive Site Overview
Off Key West, the USNS Vandenberg wreck presents a significant and challenging dive opportunity for certified divers. This former missile-tracking ship was intentionally sunk, creating one of the world's largest artificial reefs, now resting upright on a sandy bottom.
While recreational divers can explore its vast exterior, the sheer scale of this site, combined with variable marine conditions, demands respect. During the November 2009 incident, reported visibility was approximately 12 m (40 ft) with a mild to moderate current running southeast, illustrating how swiftly conditions can influence dive complexity and planning. Recreational divers typically explore sections down to a maximum depth of 29.5 m (97 ft), strictly adhering to non-penetration guidelines due to the wreck's structure.
Exploring the Vandenberg's immense exterior provides a comprehensive experience, allowing divers to observe its decks, towering antennae, and cargo holds from the outside, seeing firsthand how marine life has integrated with its surfaces. Divers should always prioritize proper planning and conservative dive profiles given the potential for varied currents, visibility shifts, and the wreck's numerous deeper sections extending well beyond typical recreational limits.
Visibility can also sometimes improve significantly, offering clearer views of the extensive structure and its developing ecosystems.
Best Time to Dive
Optimizing your experience at the USNS Vandenberg largely depends on balancing favorable weather with personal comfort. Dive conditions generally improve from April through October, periods consistently rated as 'Good' for diving. Air temperatures during these months are particularly pleasant, ranging from approximately 20.9°C (69.6°F) in April to 29.0°C (84.2°F) in August. Wave heights are typically lower during this peak season, averaging around 0.7-1.1 m (2.3-3.6 ft), making boat access and surface intervals more comfortable. Rain averages are also relatively low through spring and early summer, though September can see increased precipitation. While specific historical water temperature data for the Vandenberg site isn't consistently reported, regional averages during these 'Good' months typically range from the mid-20s Celsius (mid-70s Fahrenheit), allowing for extended bottom times with appropriate thermal protection.
Climate Historical Averages
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Current dynamics are a notable factor when diving the USNS Vandenberg. During the incident in November 2009, conditions included a mild to moderate current moving towards the southeast. These currents can vary significantly with tides and local weather patterns, occasionally requiring divers to adapt their plans or entry points. Visibility at the site was reported to be around 12 m (40 ft) during the 2009 event. This range is common, but visibility can fluctuate depending on surge, plankton blooms, and recent weather, sometimes exceeding or falling below this average. The wreck itself spans a considerable area, with the highest points of the superstructure accessible to recreational divers, while the main deck lies around 29.5 m (97 ft) deep. Exploring the extensive exterior offers a sense of scale, but careful buoyancy control and navigation are essential due to its sheer size.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Diving the USNS Vandenberg requires strict adherence to safety protocols and a thorough understanding of one's limits, especially in light of the November 2009 incident. This tragic event, involving a rebreather diver at 29.5 m (97 ft) who made a rapid ascent, highlights the critical importance of conservative dive planning and robust emergency procedures. Always ensure your equipment, including rebreathers or open-circuit gear, is meticulously checked and serviced. Maintain constant communication and proximity with your dive buddy. Practicing proper ascent rates and understanding decompression obligations are non-negotiable, particularly given that the assisting divers in the 2009 incident omitted decompression stops and suffered mild DCS symptoms. Always plan non-penetration dives unless specifically trained and equipped for overhead environments, as the fatal dive was conducted outside the wreck.
Recommended Equipment
No verified equipment items yet.
Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
According to recent observations, water temperatures near 2009-5 are approximately 24°C (74°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 22°C (72°F).
Conditions are expected to stay fairly consistent in the days ahead.
Most divers would typically feel comfortable using 3-5mm wetsuit in these conditions. Surface intervals may feel cooler. Dive depth and duration can significantly affect perceived warmth.
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Currency
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Marine Life at 2009-5
While specific marine life sightings for the USNS Vandenberg aren't extensively detailed in available records, artificial reefs like this typically attract a diverse array of ocean inhabitants. Over time, the wreck has developed into a complex ecosystem. Divers can anticipate encountering various schooling fish species that use the structure for shelter and hunting. It's common to observe species of groupers, snappers, and barracuda patrolling the wreck's exterior. Additionally, corals and sponges have begun to colonize the surfaces, creating microhabitats for smaller invertebrates and juvenile fish. Encounters with larger pelagics or turtles are possible, though not consistently reported.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the 2009 incident on the USNS Vandenberg?
On November 13, 2009, a middle-aged male rebreather diver, Richard McCoy Jr., experienced problems at a depth of 29.5 m (97 ft) during a non-penetration dive. He made a rapid ascent, arriving unconscious at the surface, and was later pronounced dead. His two technical diver buddies omitted decompression stops during the rescue attempt and later showed mild symptoms of decompression sickness.
What was the reported visibility at the USNS Vandenberg during the incident?
Visibility at the USNS Vandenberg wreck was reported to be approximately 12 m (40 ft) on the day of the 2009 incident. Conditions can vary at the site depending on environmental factors.
Are currents a concern when diving the USNS Vandenberg?
Yes, currents can be a factor at the USNS Vandenberg. On the day of the 2009 incident, a mild to moderate current running southeast was reported. Divers should always be prepared for varying current conditions and plan their dives accordingly.
What is the typical maximum depth for recreational divers on the Vandenberg?
Recreational divers exploring the USNS Vandenberg typically dive to a maximum depth of around 29.5 m (97 ft), primarily focusing on the main decks and superstructure. Deeper sections are present, but these are generally reserved for technical divers and necessitate specialized training and equipment.
Is wreck penetration allowed at the USNS Vandenberg?
No, the incident in 2009 was explicitly a non-penetration dive, and the site generally enforces non-penetration guidelines for recreational divers. Exploring the interior of the wreck requires specific overhead environment training, specialized gear, and advanced experience.
What are the typical water temperatures at the USNS Vandenberg?
Specific historical water temperature data for the Vandenberg isn't consistently reported in available records. However, based on regional climate averages for Key West, water temperatures typically range from the low 20s Celsius (low 70s Fahrenheit) in cooler months to the upper 20s Celsius (low 80s Fahrenheit) during peak summer.
When is the best time of year to dive the Vandenberg?
The best time to dive the USNS Vandenberg generally falls between April and October, when conditions are rated 'Good'. During these months, air temperatures are warmer, wave heights tend to be lower, and overall weather is more conducive to diving, enhancing the overall experience.
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