Halliburton Wreck
Halliburton Wreck
Location
Utila, South East
Highlights
The Wreck
Visibility
15metres
Currents
Still to Caribbean Light
Site Depth
22metres
Difficulty
Easy to Advanced (Advanced Open Water)
Duration
5minutes
Sight-seeing
Breaded Fireworm, Tiger Grouper, Southern Sennet, Black Grouper, Corkscrew Anemone, Flameback Angelfish, Blue Tang, Pore Rope Sponge, Atlantic Thorny-oyster, Yellow Pencil Coral.
Hotspot Watch
Green Moray, Queen Angelfish, Porcupine Fish
DIVE BRIEF: With a length of 35metres, a width of 8 metres and a height of 18m this boat is big! It was a Cargo Ship until 1998 when it was decided that it would be sunk to create a wreck dive and an ecosystem that would add and complete Utila’s diverse underwater world. The wreck lies on a sandy bottom at 100ft. The port side is next to coral formations that head north and gradual ascend to the reef at the lighthouse. The east buoy descends directly to the bow and the west buoy takes us to the stern of the boat.
Queen Angelfish
Size
46.00cm
Genus
Holacanthus ciliaris
Avg. Size
20.0cm
Depth
6.0metres
Endangered?
Low
Local Hotspots
Bay Islands: Halliburton Wreck, Black Hills
Diver Interaction
Somewhat shy, but occasionally curious. After retreating a short distance often turn to observe diver.
Habitat & Lifestyle
Often blend into background of sea whips, sea fans and corals as they swim slowly about reefs. Juveniles prefer offshore reefs; often act as cleaners.
Distribution
Common to occasional Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean; also Gulf of Mexico, rare Bermuda and south to Brazil.
Unique Physique
1. Dark blue spot on forehead, speckled and ringed with brilliant blue, forms the ‘crown’. 2. Tail yellow. 3. Second blue body bar is curved.
Abundance
Common - Sighting as are frequent, but not necessarily on every dive.
Porcupine Fish
Size
92.00cm
Genus
Diodon hystrix
Avg. Size
30.0cm
Depth
3.0metres
Endangered?
Low
Local Hotspots
Bay Islands: Haliburton Wreck, Iron Bound
Diver Interaction
They can often be closely observed whilst peering out of their entrances. Since they are shy, they retreat to their protective recess if approached. Inflated if molested, which causes them great stress.
Habitat & Lifestyle
Lurk in or near cave openings, recesses, and occasionally in grassy areas.
Distribution
Occasional Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean; also Gulf of Mexico, north to Massachusetts, Bermuda and south to Brazil; circumtropical.
Unique Physique
Small, dark spots over entire body. 1. Spots on fins.
Abundance
Common - Sighting as are frequent, but not necessarily on every dive.
Great Barracuda
Size
183.00cm
Genus
Sphyraena barracuda
Avg. Size
46.0cm
Depth
0.0metres
Endangered?
Medium
Local Hotspots
Bay Islands: Haliburton Wreck, CJ's Drop Off
Diver Interaction
Have the unnerving habit of approaching divers and following them about the reef. This appears to be nothing more than curiosity, as there are no reports of unprovoked attacks (The only substantial incidents involved spearfishing or hand feeding). Normally move away if closely approached.
Habitat & Lifestyle
Drift around reefs and other habitats in solitary or in small groups. Open and close mouth to assist respiration.
Distribution
Common Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean; also Gulf of Mexico, north to Massachusetts, Bermuda and south to Brazil; almost circumtrophial.
Unique Physique
Silver, long cylindrical body. 1. Large under-slung jaw, pointed teeth often obvious.
Abundance
Occasional - Sightings are not unusual, but not on a regular basis.
