Regina Wreck Or Molasses Barge

Sunk in 1940 after it was washed ashore in a storm sits the Regina. Local divers also know this wreck as the Molasses barge. I dove this site which is very convenient due to the fact that it is a shore dive across the street from a dive shop. You must cross a street and about 100yds of sand. Once you hit the water, it is about a 100yd swim to the floating milk bottle in 18 feet of water that marks the spot. When I dove this wreck about 6 months ago, the only structure was about a 15 foot section of the bow that Jets out of the sand. There are a few ropes attached that a large amount of Sea Horses have made what I've heard to be a permanent residence. Also seen were Conchs, Sand Dollars, Wrasses, Jellyfish and a large school of Spade Fish which was the highlight for me. Visibility on the first dive in the early AM was aprox 10 to 15feet. The second dive was only about 5 feet visibility in the late morning. This is the perfect beginner shore dive due to the shallow water and location of the Dive Shop. Directly across the street from the SeaTrek Dive Shop at Bradenton Beach and approximately 100 yards of shore sits the remains of the 247 foot tanker Regina.