During a recent visit to Palm Beach County, Governor
Jeb Bush was honored by the U.S. Customs Service and the Palm Beach County
Board of County Commissioners for his drug fighting efforts that led to the
formation of a new artificial reef off the County’s coast.
Three ships had been interdicted and confiscated by
the U.S. Customs Service for smuggling drugs on the Miami River as part of
"Operation Riverwalk" and were turned over to Palm Beach County for use as
an artificial reef. The ships had been carrying hundreds of pounds of
illegal drugs. Earlier this year, the ships - - the M/V Gilbert, the
St. Jacques and the Sha Sha Boekanier - - were scuttled south of
the Lake Worth Inlet in about 90 feet of water. The artificial reef was
designated the "Governor’s Riverwalk Reef" in honor of the Governor.
At the ceremony held on Peanut Island before the
County and local officials, Customs and other law enforcement officials and
approximately 100 students involved in anti-drug programs, Governor Bush
said, "The sinking of these drug-smuggling vessels is another example of our
commitment to protecting our children and our communities from the predators
who traffic in illegal drugs."
Presiding
at the ceremony, Chairman of the County Commission Warren Newell noted that
these ships were now contributing to the promotion of marine life as well as
tourism by scuba divers, underwater photographers and fishing enthusiasts.
These three ships are part of a network on some 50 artificial reefs inside
the Lake Worth Lagoon and along the Palm Beach County coastline.
