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Singer Island History: The Amaryllis Wreck

Posted by Amanda Hicks on Monday, February 12th, 2018 at 12:16pm.

 

 

In 1965 Hurricane Betsy, a category 4 cyclone, hit Palm Beach County with 20-foot waves and 80 mph winds that sent palm trees horizontal. 

The Amaryllis, a 450-foot, 7,200-ton Greek banana freight boat, was headed for safety at the Palm Beach Inlet. It was overpowered by massive swells that steered it straight toward the shallows off Singer Island. The ship was pushed ashore just in front of the Rutledge Inn, which is now the Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Resort. 

The enormous boat would take thousands of hours and loads equipment to remove from the beach. But for three years the Amaryllis created some of the best small waves in the area. The washed up wreckage attracted surfers from all over the southeast coast and Singer Island became the best surf spot of its time. 

The boat was taken apart piece by piece by wreckage crews. It took three years to remove the majority of the ship from the island. In 1968 the West Palm Beach Fishing Club helped sink what was left of the Amaryllis. It was sunk in 100 feet of water off the Palm Beach Inlet to serve as an artificial reef. 

Today, the wreck is home to a number of marine species and is a popular dive spot for scuba divers from all over the world. See videos of the Amaryllis and its underwater inhabitants including grouper, sea trurtles, and tons of reef fish by clicking here

Singer Island is an area with an abundant history and has experienced big changes in recent years. Today, it is known as one of the richest locations in the state for its magnificent condos, gorgeous and clean beaches, and preserved natural environment, making it an exceptional find in the luxury real estate world. See the spectacular views our Singer Island condos have to offer by clicking here or by contacting John Nugent at jnugent@wfpcc.com. 

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