Thomas Hayward (Liberty Ship)

Designed to serve as an emergency cargo ship for the U.S. Maritime Commission, the 360 foot Liberty Ship, Thomas Hayward, was built by the Alabama Drydock Company in 1942. On May 5, 1946, the ship hit a floating mine off Europe. Despite the damage, the Hayward made it back to port for repairs. She was laid up in the Mobile Reserve Fleet in 1949.

In 1977, she was purchased by the Florida Department of Natural Resources and sunk seven miles southwest of East Pass near White Hill Reef. The wreck now rests in 90 feet of water rising 25 feet off the bottom. This site has become one of the most popular wreck dives in the Destin area. Divers often see large Southern Stingrays, amberjack, grouper and flounder.

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