Retired Freighter to be Scuttled Saturday

For immediate release: June 3, 2009
Contact: Brock Stanaland, 561-233-2443
                Carman Vare, 561-233-2444 (w) 561-386-9612 (c)

A 165-foot cargo freighter seized by US Customs and Border Protection will become the next vessel to be scuttled as an artificial reef a mile off the coast of southern Boca Raton. Once in place, the M/V Miss Lourdies will straddle the Palm Beach-Broward County line in approximately 140 feet of water. The vessel will provide habitat for fish and other marine life as well as serve as a new wreck site for recreational divers.

This project is the result of the successful collaboration of multiple entities including the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners through its Department of Environmental Resources Management, Broward County, the City of Deerfield Beach, US Customs and Border Protection, and private stakeholders including the Miracle of Life Foundation, Dixie Divers, CEPEMAR Environmental Services and the Bunnell Foundation.

Note to news editors and photojournalists: Members of the press may call Carman Vare at 561-233-2444 (work) or 561-386-9612 (cell) or Brock Stanaland at (561) 233-2443 for press boat reservations, project scheduling information, and directions. If you are going out on the press boat, please plan to be out on the ocean for several hours. If you are prone to motion sickness, please be aware that seas may be rough this time of year. Also note that the scuttling may be delayed or postponed due to wind and sea conditions. Casual dress and shoes are recommended for this event.

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