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Mandalay wreck, Polynesia?
 Biscayne National Park, Miami, FL
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Max Depth: 16-20ft/5-6m
Average Viz: 51-60ft/16-18m
Entry Type: Boat
Bottom Composition: Coral
Aquatic Life: Plenty To See
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Spring: 71-75°F/22-24°C
Summer: 76-80°F/24-27°C
Winter: 66-70°F/19-21°C
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Mandalay wreck, Polynesia? is a boat accessible salt water dive site, located at Biscayne National Park, Miami, FL. The maximum depth is 16-20ft/5-6m. The average visibility is 51-60ft/16-18m.
I think this wreck is mis-identified, the news pictures show the Polynesia and I was told by a former crew member that the Poly sank after hitting a reef and the Mandalay was sold. RayC/LA
The wreck was a 128-foot double-masted steel schooner in the Windjammer Cruises fleet. She ran aground on Long Reef near Elliott Key on New Years Eve 1966 at the end of a 10-day Bahamas cruise.
Maybe Capt. Burke, Windjammer Cruises swapped some ship names? The original Mandalay was 236’. What wrecked on long reef in the photos is or was the s/v Polynesia. I’ve was on both in 65 and still have a faded picture of the Poly on my bedroom wall so I know the Poly when I see it. The Carib was also with us in Bimini, that ship had just been used in the makings of Anthony Quinn’s High Winds to Jamaica and still had the gun ports painted on it. The original 236’ Mandalay is still sailing in the Caribbean. RayC/LA
That aft cabin on the Poly was the Captains and on it hung a sign; Weddings performed by the Captain were only good for the length of the cruise. The mid cabin contained a long table where we ate.
YouTube;
youtube.com/watch?v=HHA0LKUPqig