Witconcrete

Turneffe Atoll, BELIZE
GPS: 17° 20.433’N, 88° 11.533’W

Witconcrete, or The Wit as she is often known, was constructed by the U.S. Navy during the Second World War. She was purchased by Belize Sugar Industries after the war and used to transfer molasses throughout Central America and the Caribbean. Upon retirement, she was donated to the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA). On December 10, 2021, in a joint project that also involved Blackbird Caye Resort and Blue Finance, The Wit was deployed as an artificial reef and wreck dive site approximately 0.75 miles (1.2 kilometers) northeast of Blackbird Caye, in the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve. At 375 feet (114 meters) in length, The Wit, which is made entirely of concrete, is one of the largest shipwrecks in the Caribbean. She rests on her starboard side with her bow pointing roughly north. Her hull was colonized by numerous marine organisms before she was sunk, and many large marine creatures, including grouper, snapper, parrotfish, sharks, and rays can be found at the site. Penetration opportunities exist for divers with suitable experience and certification.