Thunderbolt

Thunderbolt is one deep dive site off the coast of Key West. It is also considered part of Key Colony Beach in the Florida Keys. The Thunderbolt was sunk in 1986, with the intention of creating an artificial reef. As an intact ship she is upright in 120 feet of water four miles south of Marathon and Key Colony Beach.

The Thunderbolt was built at the Marietta Manufacturing Company in Point Pleasant, Virginia. It was part of 15 other ships built at the same time. The US Army commissioned the ships for World War II. The Thunderbolt was named Randolph in 1942. It was part of the Army's Coast Artillery Corps. In 1949 the function was changed as the ship was given to the Navy.

The ship's hull is 189 feet. It also has a cable area, with a cruiser stern. Before she was sunk most of the equipment was removed. It was removed to make it safer for diving. The observation deck of the ship is in 75 feet of water. The cable handling reel is in 80 feet. The rudder and propellers are buried in 120 feet of water. On the wreck dive one can seek amberjack, cobia, and sharks.