The surrounding terrain in all directions is a barren sand bottom, so the wreck is like an oasis in the middle of an underwater desert attracting huge numbers of fish. Masses of gray snapper ebb and flow over the ship in rhythm with the waves above. Barracuda fill the mid-water space between the wreck and the surface. Shark-like cobia, amberjack and schools of spade fish often sweep in from the blue to circle divers and then move off again. Giant sea bass have been spotted disappearing into the perilous inner recesses of the wreck.
Stealthy divers can often closely approach huge stingrays buried up to their eyeballs in the sand.
The Chikuzen 's remoteness and exposure to rough sea conditions will help preserve its wild temperament for years to come. Throughout the Caribbean, Tourist Boards and Dive Operators are no longer content to wait for marine disasters to create dive sites. They are now taking matters into their own hands and intentionally sinking ships and airplanes to attract divers. Off the southwest coast of Cooper Island, the wreck of the 75 foot Marie L has recently been joined by the Pat , a 70 foot tugboat. It didn't take long for them to attract marine life.