SS COPENHAGEN

By  Mike Miller  November 5, 2026

Just three-quarters of a mile offshore from Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida, lies the wreck of the SS Copenhagen, a British steamship that ran aground more than 125 years ago.

Today, the wreck is one of Florida's most interesting underwater historic sites. It rests in approximately 15 to 30 feet of water along the Pompano Ledge, where divers and snorkelers can explore the remains of a once-impressive cargo vessel.

The shipwreck is part of Florida's Underwater Archaeological Preserve system and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Over the decades, coral, sponges, and tropical fish have made the old ship their home, creating an unusual combination of maritime history and natural beauty.

The SS Copenhagen was built in Sunderland, England, and launched in 1898. The steel-hulled steamship measured 325 feet long and 47 feet wide. It transported cargo across the Atlantic Ocean.

On May 20, 1900, the Copenhagen departed Philadelphia carrying nearly 5,000 tons of coal bound for Havana, Cuba.

Six days later, on May 26, the ship struck a coral reef off the Florida coast. An investigation blamed improper navigation by the captain.

Salvage crews removed much of the coal and attempted to free the vessel, but their efforts failed.

The abandoned ship remained partly visible above the water for decades.

During World War II, U.S. Navy pilots used the wreck for target practice, contributing to its deterioration.

In June 1994, the Copenhagen became Florida's fifth Underwater Archaeological Preserve. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

Today, portions of the hull and other structural remains can still be identified beneath the water.

The SS Copenhagen is located approximately three-quarters of a mile offshore from Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, near the Sea Watch Restaurant. Its GPS coordinates are 26°12.349'N, 80°05.108'W.

The underwater preserve is open year-round, 24 hours a day, and admission is free. However, diving should be planned for daylight hours when weather, currents, and visibility are favorable.

Visitors generally reach the wreck by boat through local dive operators. The long swim from shore is best left to experienced ocean divers.

Anchoring directly on the wreck is prohibited, but nearby mooring buoys are available. Visitors should not remove artifacts or disturb marine life.

Those who prefer to stay dry can see educational displays about the Copenhagen at Jarvis Hall in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. The town also has informational signs near the beach.

For anyone interested in Old Florida history, the SS Copenhagen offers a fascinating reminder of the days when steamships carried commerce along Florida's Atlantic coast.

WEBSITE FOR JARVIS HALL

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