USS 'Clamagore' to become new artificial reef - video

Artificial Reefs International, together with the project’s main sponsor Salt Life clothing company, has announced that PADI has become a partner in the project to convert the USS “Clamagore” into an artificial reef. This is another project of this kind being carried out in the USA, which aims to increase the attractiveness of individual dive sites and boost local businesses that profit from dive tourism.

Launched in 1945, the submarine served as a museum ship at Patriots Point Maritime Museum in Charleston, South Carolina, after being withdrawn from service in 1975. It is now to be transported to the coast of Palm Beach County, Florida, and converted into an artificial reef.

-- Advertisement --

Under the supervision of CRB Geological & Environmental Services, the ship will undergo an intensive cleaning process and the hull will be dismantled on one side to create an underwater museum and artificial reef. It is intended that the ship, in its role as a reef, will provide a refuge for marine wildlife and a recreational and educational area for divers.

[blockquote style=”2″]”The PADI organisation wants to support doing good, plus we are passionate about improving reef health locally, nationally and internationally,” said Drew Richardson, president and CEO of PADI Worldwide. He added that PADI is honoured to support ARI and Salt Life in this project to give divers a new place to explore, while providing insight into the past and hope for future improvements in ocean health. According to Joe Weatherby, senior project manager at ARI, “PADI is the largest recreational diver training organisation in the world and their support for the project is invaluable.” Salt Life CEO Jeff Stillwell added: “We are delighted to be partnering with like-minded organisations who see ocean work as crucial. By combining our voices and our particular talents, we can make a positive impact on the ocean environment and the people who love it.”[/blockquote]

The project to convert the USS “Clamagore” into an artificial reef appeared on our pages already last year. Now we know for sure that the work is to begin this spring, with completion planned for August 2018. The Palm Beach County authorities have also become involved in the operation, allocating $1 million for the purpose. The total cost of the operation is expected to be $4 million, with the remainder to be raised by Atrificial Reefs International.

The almost 100-metre-long wreck is to rest at a depth of less than 30 metres, which will also make it accessible to recreational divers. This project is an excellent example of combining ecological, recreational and educational values and will probably bring a lot of satisfaction to both its creators and divers who will learn its secrets.

Source: clamagorereef.com

[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”31298″]