READ ABOUT THIS WRECK IN SHIPWRECKS OF THE SUNSHINE STATE!

The 180' long Roatan Express sank 80 miles offshore of Ft. Myers in 1992 for unknown reasons. The ship was in a mild storm when it began to list badly. The crew checked to see if the list was being caused by cargo shifting, but they were unable to find what was wrong. The list worsened, and the captain eventually ordered everyone off the ship. He gave up his life vest to one of the passengers resulting in his apparent drowning; another passenger went back to her cabin to get her purse and died in the attempt. It is rumored that these bodies were not recovered and may still be inside the wreck. As the ship listed far enough to take on water it began to submerge, though it righted itself during the descent.

The wreck lies upright in 190' of water, pointing roughly south. The wreck looks pretty much intact with no breaches or buckling at all. The wheelhouse is found up towards the bow, approximately 20' from the stem. The crews quarters are located just aft of the wheelhouse superstructure where the galley and her supply of china can still be found. Aft of the wheelhouse, the remains of several cars and trucks can still be found securely lashed to the deck. Near the stern, a capsized lifeboat remains in the sand; a stark reminder of the tragic sinking. The stern still possesses its dual screws and it is possible to swim under the stern and around the rudder. The name "ROATAN EXPRESS" is still visible painted along the hull.