Molasses Reef

On August 4, 1984, the motor vessel Wellwood, a 122-meter freighter carrying pelletized chicken feed, ran aground on Molasses Reef.

Biological restoration took place using transplants from Pickles Reef and the facilitation of coral larval settlement.

Here lies the large mechanical winch from the Slobadana, a 170-foot wooden hulled schooner that sank in 1887 after only three years in service.

In addition to the winch itself, various mechanical artifacts are scattered over the nearby area.

Also, large coral formations with (relatively) deep channels between them make this a popular dive location.

A midnight parrotfish and a yellowtail snapper swimming on Molasses Reef
molasses reef winch
Winch at Winch Hole Molasses Reef