This dive site, known as Betty Rose or Mecco’s Barge, is a 75-foot intact barge wreck resting at a maximum depth of 14 meters (45 feet). Located approximately 11 miles from John's Pass on a heading of 250 degrees, this artificial reef serves as an accessible and popular dive site. The intact structure provides an easy navigation point for divers, making it highly suitable for those new to wreck diving and general underwater navigation.
While the description doesn't explicitly list specific marine animals, intact wrecks like Betty Rose typically attract a variety of local fish species, such as snapper, grunt, and possibly small schooling fish. Over time, the barge would also become home to various invertebrates like crabs, shrimp, and perhaps some soft corals or sponges, forming a nascent artificial reef ecosystem providing shelter and food sources.
This shallow and easy dive site is particularly suitable for beginners, though divers should be prepared for often limited visibility, which can add a slight challenge to exploration. The relatively short boat trip from John's Pass makes it a convenient option for a quick dive. For both freedivers and scuba divers, focusing on the structure of the wreck and the smaller marine life it harbors would be the main highlight, especially when visibility is challenging.
