The Sunken Tugboat “Simpson” Near Shell Island: One of PCB’s Hidden Underwater Legends

Just off the beautiful waters of Shell Island lies one of Panama City Beach’s most overlooked historical treasures — the sunken tugboat known as the E.E. Simpson. While most visitors come to Shell Island for dolphin tours, snorkeling, and crystal-clear water, few realize there’s a nearly 100-year-old shipwreck resting beneath the surface nearby.

For locals, divers, and boat captains around Panama City Beach, the Simpson has become part of local legend.

What Was the E.E. Simpson?

The E.E. Simpson was a 93-foot steam-powered tugboat built in 1877. Originally operating along the Gulf Coast between Pensacola and St. Andrews Bay, the vessel played an important role in Northwest Florida’s maritime history. Its primary job was towing freight barges and helping stranded vessels navigate the dangerous waters around the old pass near Shell Island.

At a time when rail systems were limited in the Florida Panhandle, tugboats like the Simpson were critical for transporting goods and supporting coastal communities.

How the Simpson Sank

In October 1929, the Simpson was called to assist a grounded fishing schooner called the Tecumseh near what locals now refer to as the “Old Pass” near Shell Island. Rough Gulf conditions made the rescue nearly impossible.

According to historical dive records, the crew attempted to dig a trench using the tugboat’s power to reach the stranded vessel, but severe winds and pounding surf damaged the Simpson. Waves eventually tore away the smokestack and damaged steam lines, leaving the tug disabled offshore. The crew abandoned ship and spent the night on Shell Island while the tugboat broke apart and sank.

Nearly a century later, parts of the wreck still remain underwater.

Where Is the Simpson Wreck?

The Simpson lies in shallow water near the entrance to St. Andrews Pass off the coast of Shell Island. The wreck is usually found in roughly 18–20 feet of water, making it accessible to experienced snorkelers, freedivers, and beginner scuba divers during calm conditions.

Because of shifting sands and changing tides, visibility can vary dramatically. On calm summer days, locals say you can sometimes see portions of the wreck structure from the surface.

Marine Life Around the Wreck

Today, the Simpson serves as an artificial reef ecosystem filled with marine life. Divers frequently report seeing:

* Schools of baitfish

* Stingrays

* Sea turtles

* Stone crabs

* Sheepshead and snapper

* Seasonal squid and other reef species

The wreck creates structure on an otherwise sandy bottom, attracting marine life year-round.

Why the Simpson Matters to Panama City Beach

The waters around Shell Island are famous for dolphin tours and snorkeling, but the Simpson adds something even deeper — a direct connection to PCB’s maritime past.

Long before Panama City Beach became a tourist destination, these waters were working waterways used by fishermen, tug operators, and cargo vessels navigating the Gulf Coast. The Simpson is one of the few remaining underwater reminders of that era.

For boat captains and locals who spend time near Shell Island, the wreck is more than just an underwater attraction. It’s part of the history and identity of the area.

Visiting the Simpson Today

Many private boat tours and local captains pass near the area while heading toward Shell Island snorkeling spots. Calm conditions and low tide typically provide the best visibility for exploring the wreck safely.

If you plan to visit:

* Always check weather and tide conditions

* Use proper snorkeling or dive equipment

* Avoid disturbing marine life or removing artifacts

* Respect protected wildlife around Shell Island

The wreck is fragile and part of local maritime history.

Final Thoughts

The E.E. Simpson is one of those rare places where history, adventure, and nature all meet beneath the water’s surface. Hidden just offshore from Shell Island, this forgotten tugboat continues telling the story of old Panama City Beach nearly 100 years after it sank.

For visitors looking to experience more than just beaches and dolphins, exploring the waters around the Simpson offers a glimpse into the real history of the Emerald Coast.