This dive site is the Capt. Shirley Brown Memorial Reef, an artificial wreck located approximately 13 nautical miles south of Perdido Pass. It was the second vessel deployed by the Alabama Gulf Coast Reef & Restoration Foundation, contributing to ongoing efforts to create marine habitats. The wreck sits at a maximum depth of 23 meters, with its top deck at approximately 22 meters, offering a clear structure for divers to explore its exterior and gradually developing ecosystem.
As an artificial reef, the Shirley Brown wreck serves as a thriving habitat for various marine species. Divers can expect to encounter schooling fish, such as snapper and grouper, along with a diverse array of smaller reef fish. Over time, the wreck will become encrusted with corals, sponges, and other invertebrates, attracting crustaceans like crabs and lobsters, and potentially larger pelagics like barracuda or even small sharks.
The best time to visit this dive site would generally be during the warmer months when water temperatures are more comfortable and conditions calmer. Divers should be prepared for potentially variable visibility typical of Gulf waters. This wreck provides an excellent opportunity for underwater photography, particularly for wide-angle shots of the structure and macro shots of the developing marine life. Freedivers can also enjoy exploring the upper sections of the wreck.
