In the late 1950s, several salvage companies tried to salvage the wreck but with the support of the people of Pensacola, the state filed an injunction to prevent salvage, and when the case was brought before the Supreme Court, title to the Massachusetts was awarded to the State of Florida. After spending 70 of her 100 years in the sea, the battleship has become a giant artificial reef. 18 min 45 sec W, in the Fort Pickens State Aquatic Preserve, which is administered by the Florida Department of Natural Resources. The site is easily located because the ship's two main gun turrets are awash most of the time. The wreck also is marked by a red bell buoy, and its location is shown on nautical charts.
Visibility is best at high tide.
Caution should be taken when sea conditions are above 2 or 3 feet, due to increased surge in the shallow water surrounding the wreck. Anchoring at the site should take into account surface currents, wind direction, and anticipated tidal change. Anchoring in the sand at the edge of the site will help to avoid fouling and losing anchors in the wreck. Divers should not penetrate the hull due to structural instability and the presence of entanglements. A laminated underwater field guide is available from local dive shops to orient divers on a self-guided tour of the preserve.