42 Ft. Sponge Diving Boat

Built in 1935 of cypress and pine by George Castrinos in Apalachicola, Florida, the boat originally named "APALACHICOLA" was used for sponge fishing until 1943. During World War II, the U.S. Navy used it as an air-sea rescue boat in the Gulf of Mexico. After World War II, it returned to sponge fishing service and was used for sponging until it was decommissioned in 1982, then placed on exhibition at the opening of the Sponge Exchange in 1982 and renamed "AEGEAN ISLES".

Tarpon Springs, Florida · United States