The Delaware State Division of Fish and Wildlife sunk the retired cruise ship ‘American Glory’ 16.5 nautical miles off Indian River Inlet, adding another sunken vessel in their artificial reef program. The 200-foot ship got lifted by Norfolk,Virginia-based marine contractor Coleen Marine, which also prepared it for the reef.
So far, Delaware State Division of Fish and Wildlife has a leading role in the artificial reefs, counting already 14 permitted reefs located in Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Coast, since their very first begging in 1995. With the aid of its state government, artificial reefs enhance the habitat for reef organisms, and slowly becomes home to colorful sponges, soft and stony corals and hydroids, providing food and habitat for a variety of sea species.
Delaware’s artificial reef system continues to grow in both its renown and disparate natural resources. Our reef system is without compare in the Mid-Atlantic region, and the diversity of materials – from a former destroyer and other retired warships to almost 1,400 retired New York City subway cars reefed since 2002.
…as stated by DNREC Secretary, Shawn M. Garvin.
Some of the Delaware’s ships sinks, is the Redbird and the Del-Jersey-Land reef , which both attract microorganisms, give life to fish habitat and offer extraordinary opportunities for deep-sea diving.
As for the ‘American glory’, was a 49-passenger luxury ship owned to American Cruise Lines. The sunken cruise vessel was built in 2002 in Maryland, by Chesapeake Shipbuilding, and was also recorded in the 5th place on the list of ‘World’s Best Cruise Ships’ based by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice awards in 2014.
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