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New Shipwreck Planned for Deerfield Beach, Florida
A new shipwreck is planned offshore of Deerfield Beach, Florida, scheduled for sinking in May of 2010. A possible site has been selected south of the Deerfield Beach pier; the new wreck will be sunk in 130’ of water with a maximum height of approximately 50 feet.
The new shipwreck will serve as an artificial reef and attract marine life as well as scuba divers and fishermen. The ship that will be sunk is 210’ long and is in the process of being environmentally cleaned at the current time.
“This is a great opportunity to become a part of diving history,” said local dive retailer A. Pavan, owner of Dixie Divers. “The person or group who donates the most money toward preparing and sinking the new wreck will get to name it.”
A bronze plaque approximately 4’ x 3’ with the new name of the ship and the name of the donor(s) will be permanently attached to the ship prior to sinking.
As with last year’s sinking of the Miracle of Life, this ship was confiscated during the ongoing war against drugs. It is a 210’ long freighter that is currently on the Miami River being made ready for sinking. Cleaning the ship of toxins and making it safe for scuba divers is still an expensive undertaking, however, that Pavan estimates will cost upwards of $80,000.
“We’ve already proven that adding artificial reefs to the offshore portfolio of Fort Lauderdale – Deerfield Beach – Boca Raton equates directly to economic prosperity for the area,” he said. “Broward County is in final negotiations with all of the permitting agencies involved, and I don’t see any difficulties achieving our final goal.
“But, we need individuals, corporations and foundations to step forward at this time and help us get the ship ready to sink,” he added. “We want to be certain that we do as good a job cleaning and preparing this ship as we did with the Miracle of Life in 2009.”
The Miracle of Life was another ship seized by the US Government and sunk in June 2009 just north of the Deerfield Beach pier. Local philanthropist and good friend Dan Fasano was the major donor for that project, according to Pavan. Since it’s sinking the ship has quickly begun to accrete life and attract pelagic marine species. It has also attracted some not-so-welcome exotic fish, such as the invasive Pacific lionfish, which is a big attraction to underwater photographers.
“Whether you are a business person looking to grow the Deerfield Beach area as a destination, or a conservationist who understands the value of new marine habitat, everyone can find value in this project,” Pavan said. “Please be a part of this very important endeavor.”
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