The Wreck of the Bay Ronto

by Captain Al Franklin

The Bay Ronto, a 400-foot, 11,000-ton British freighter, was bound for Marseilles, France from Galveston, Texas, with a load of wheat. This was her first trip since being damaged by a German submarine's torpedo attack in July 1918. Early in September 1919, she foundered in a Gulf of Mexico hurricane. All but two of her lifeboats were smashed by the waves, but her Captain, Chief Officer Moody, filled the remaining lifeboats with the crew and 5 gallons of water and a hundred biscuits. After two days at sea they ran short of water but managed to capture a bucket-full of rain water. They caught fish and ate them raw. Amazingly, the entire crew was rescued. The steamship Calno picked up 19 of the crew, the fishing smack Ida picked up 11 and another vessel rescued the remainder of the crew of 48. This story was reported in the Monday, September 22, 1919, issue of the New York Times.

The rescue was quite a miracle. And the miracle continues today. The tomb of this once mighty freighter offers today's diver some exhilarating moments.

The Bay Ronto lies in about 100' of water 30 miles SSW from the Venice, Florida inlet. The wreck is a popular spot for both fishing and diving, however, since this is indeed an offshore site, a sturdy offshore boat ( don't go on a single engine boat ) is needed to make the journey. The ship lies upside down in the sand. Her back is broken in half and many other seams have been opened in her hull. The clefts and cracks in her hull offer the trained, experienced (in wreck or cavern/cave diving ), diver an opportunity to penetrate the wreck and see some magnificent snapper and maybe a jewfish of twenty. However, it is not necessary to penetrate the wreck to enjoy an exceptional diving experience.

Marine life abounds on and around the wreck. Extraordinarily large barracuda seem to guard the wreck as schools of beautiful amberjack patrol the area. This author has seen as many as 23 jewfish on the wreck (some over 500 pounds). Beautiful spiny oysters grow in profusion. If you collect, please take only one, so some will remain for others to enjoy. Cowries, and hairy tritons are often found.

Visibility this far offshore in the Gulf is usually 60-100 feet. Many days you can actually see the wreck from the surface. U/W photographers can obtain some wonderful shots. Unfortunately, the ships imposing four-blade prop has been removed. Videos of the great schools of fish encompassing this wreck are dramatic.

For Bay Ronto charter schedules, please contact Florida Down Under.

Captain Trip Franklin has taken and produced an excellent video of diving this special place. You won't believe the Jewfish in the video. They are available for $29.99. E-mail to order.