Page 138 - The British Big Four

apona Wreck - The Sapona is a standout wreck, quite literally- harks Bull Run is a popular shark dive south of the Biminis, a site
frequented by the Blackbeard’s and Nekton live-aboard boats,
S S-most of the ship is actually above the water. Her hull is rid-
dled with holes from aircraft target practice bullets and time. Mas- as well as dive and pleasure boats from Bimini. The sharks are used

sive schools of grunts are found inside the stern section, and the to associating divers with food and typically swim near, whether

wide-angle photo opportunity of the giant propeller against the there is bait in the water or not. Ultra-clear water and high-profile

afternoon sun is reason enough to make the trip. A popular shal- coral heads make for a nice complement to the shark action. Expe-

low wreck with a large portion of the ship still above water. Built rience the wild Bull Sharks of Bimini in specially built shark cage.

by Henry Ford, the Sapona was used by rumrunners between the Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina is part of the “Shark Free

Bahamas and Florida during Prohibition. The 270-foot Sapona was Marina Initiative”. Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina has part-

built by Henry Ford in 1911. She served as a troop transport for just nered with shark experts and conservationists to provide a safe and

one trip during World War I. After the war, the Sapona was used by enjoyable experience in viewing the incredible creatures in their

rumrunners between the Bahamas and Florida during Prohibition. own environment. Guests do not have to be certified Scuba to do

Some say she was anchored and turned in to a private drinking and the experience. Air is provided by a “Hooka” system so all you need

gambling club or simply a storage warehouse for rum. A hurricane is your mask, put the regulator in your mouth and dip down into

in the late 1920s drove the ship aground between South Bimini and the cage. A percentage of proceeds go to Shark Conservation along

Cat Cay, where she only partially submerged. Today, the Sapona is with an Annual Banquet/Fundraiser to assist conservation, educa-

very popular with divers and snorklers. A large portion of the ship tion and research even more.

remains intact.