HMCS Annapolis will be sunk?

Diving enthusiasts and visitors to the San Diego area may be able to dive the newly created artificial reef next year. The city council has come up with a proposal to sink a 111m ship and turn it into an underwater attraction.

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HMCS Annapolis, as it is referred to, is a 111m-plus Canadian destroyer that has completed its service and is now set to become Mission Beach’s new landmark. If all goes well for the municipality, the vessel will be sunk in early 2015.

“This is very good for the economy, especially the one that plays out in the beach area. A lot of businesses will gain from this turn of events. People come here to dive, and then they rent hotel rooms and charter boats. However, that is not all. The new wreck will become home to many creatures and we must not forget that.” – Councillor Ed Harris said

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The San Diego area is a very popular area for divers and it is clear that the local authorities are keen to reinforce this image. A permit for the whole operation is still missing from the California Coastal Commission, but everyone involved is optimistic.

If the whole project goes according to plan, this will be the second Canadian wreck to be sunk in the area. Earlier, in July 2000, an artificial reef was created from the HMCS Yukon. The entire process of acquiring the ship and transporting it to San Diego is being led and overseen by the organisation California Ships to Reefs.

Once the formal efforts to acquire and transport the vessel have been completed, it will go into dry dock where it will be cleaned of anything that should not go underwater. Once this part of the work is complete, in February or March 2015 HMCS Annapolis will be sunk using explosives.

Source: timesofsandiego.com