HMBS 'Yellow Elder' sunk as artificial reef! - video

Another shipwreck has been turned into an artificial reef and diving attraction! This time the vessel HMBS “Yellow Elder” rested on the bottom of Stuart Cove in the Bahamas. The whole operation was carried out on June 6, 2018 and the wreck located about 8 km south of Prot Coral.

The vessel thus joined the long list of wrecks sunk as part of a programme to create artificial reefs around the Bahamas. In 20 years, the region has managed to sink an impressive number of 30 wrecks, which significantly contribute to the development of local ecosystems, as well as popularity among diving tourists.

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Seeing the effects of these actions, as well as the bare numbers, a diver from a country on the Vistula can only weep. Despite the passage of almost 10 years, since the sinking of the first artificial reef in the liaison vessel ORP “Bryza”in Poland, we still cannot wait for the next underwater locations prepared with divers in mind.

Artificial reefs are usually located at small depths. Properly prepared in terms of integration with the natural environment, as well as safety of conducted dives, they are an incredible attraction for underwater tourists. No one needs convincing about the latter. Since the moment of its sinking, the “Bryza” remains the most frequently visited wreck in the Gulf of Gdańsk.

HMBS ‘Yellow Elder’ was withdrawn from service in 2016 and transferred to Stuart Cove Dive Company in preparation for sinking as an artificial reef. The ship had been in service since 20 November 1986. She was one of three Protector class vessels that were built by Fairey Marine in England. It was used in the fight against activities such as illegal migration, poaching and drug smuggling.

Source: bahamaspress.com