AUE Weekend Trip Report, April 19, 2006
Had a beautiful mid-week run to the wreck of the
freighter ROATAN EXPRESS, which rests approximately 66 nm off Venice. A
mild swell gradually flattened out to nothing during the course of the day.
Conditions on the wreck were very nice as well, with absolutely no current and
warm water. Abundant goliath grouper were hanging out around the wreck, as
well as large black grouper, gag, mutton snapper, cubera snapper, and a few nice
hogfish. The interior of the wreck has really changed, with the
galley in total shambles; the overhead cabinets have torn loose and now
rest amongst other debris. More cables and wiring hangs from the ceiling.
The wreck also continues to leak a steady amount of diesel fuel as well, which
was very apparent on the surface due to the lack of current and wind. 
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A S S O C I A T I O N OF U N D E R W A T E R E X P L O R E R S
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ROATAN EXPRESS I

(l) Captain Goliath in the
wheelhouse; (r) lots of goliath grouper on the ROATAN EXPRESS.

(l) One of the trucks
secured to the back deck of the freighter; (r) the remains of a truck on the
edge of the stern.

(l) Champagne, liquor, and china recovered from the
interior; (r) looking for some mixers...

(l) A view of the colorful mast; (r) overturned
lifeboat in the sand.

(l) Shot of the wheelhouse on ascent; (r) hanging out
on deco.