VIDEO: 180-ft Long Research Ship Sank In Gulf Of Mexico To Create Artificial Reef

On Sunday, January 15, Destin officials started a unique venture of creating an artificial reef from a 180-ft-long retired research ship in Okaloosa.

The ship name MANTA was sunk 1000 ft into the Gulf of Mexico seafloor by Destin officials who said that they are trying to reuse rusting ships by making an artificial reef out of it.

So instead of scrapping the vessel, it is cleaned and sunk in the ocean, a feat witnessed by 40 people on a charter boat.  

Source: WMBB News 13/ YouTube

The crowd loved watching it, especially the unique sounds that came from sinking the ships and air bubbles created as the ship sank, revealed Vivienne Williams, Executive Director of Destin History and Fishing Museum. 

With this, Okaloosa County now has another artificial reef, the second largest one, which would be a great deep-sea diving attraction for tourists and a suitable habitat for fish. 

Officials are planning another shipwreck deep sea destination southeast of MANTA where they would sink DOLPHIN, another research ship. 

References: WJTV, WHNT

Latest Videos You Would Like:

Video: Irish Authorities Confiscate Bulker Smuggling Drugs Off Cork Coast

Posted on September 27, 2023

Following a challenging underway boarding at sea, Irish authorities detained a 50,000 dwt bulker said to be loaded with drugs, possibly cocaine.

Video: Ukraine Employs British Missiles To Destroy Russian Warship And Submarine

Posted on September 15, 2023

In a significant attack on Russia’s naval base situated in Crimea, Ukraine reportedly targeted a submarine and warship that belongs to Russia.

Watch: Coast Guard Rescues Tanker Crew Member 10 Miles Offshore Galveston, Texas

Posted on September 14, 2023

The Coast Guard rescued a tanker crew member from the water 10 miles offshore Galveston, Texas, Wednesday.

World’s First Containership Powered By Green Methanol Named In Copenhagen

Posted on September 14, 2023

The World’s 1st containership, Laura Maersk, fueled by Green Methanol, has been officially named in Copenhagen, Denmark, by the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen.

Video: What Are Marine Buoys and Markers ?

Posted on September 11, 2023

Sea marks are physical indicators used as navigational aids and references for various purposes. They serve as guides by marking hazardous areas, indicating high maritime traffic zones, and identifying safe and navigable areas.