Fouled Anchor Forums

[rabutcher (Robert)]

WWII-era Vandenberg to become artificial reef

The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Apr 23, 2009 6:50:04 EDT

KEY WEST, Fla. — Workers are preparing a hulking World War II ship to become an artificial reef later this year.

The 523-foot USS Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg was tugged to a Key West dock Wednesday for preparations. The former Army and Air Force ship will eventually be sunk six miles offshore of Key West, in waters about 140 feet deep.

City officials say the ship will be sunk between May 20 and June 1. The Vandenberg is likely to attract divers from around the world.

Once the Vandenberg is sunk, only the 911-foot Oriskany that was scuttled off of Pensacola in 2006 will be a bigger artificial reef.

[krnl]

I scuba dived one time when we pulled in to Barbados. It was an awesome experience. I would love to do it again someday. The Vandenberg would probably be a neat dive.