Abandoned Shrimp Boat To Serve New Purpose In A Little River Marsh

The 53-foot steel-hulled vessel was donated to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources' Marine Artificial Reef Program.

An abandoned shrimp boat in a Little River marsh now has a new purpose.

The 53-foot steel-hulled vessel was donated to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ Marine Artificial Reef Program. That came after SLED identified the boat and contacted its owners who agreed to donate it.

The boat will now serve as an artificial reef around 10 miles offshore. It provides around 22,000 cubic feet of structure for corals, sponges, algae, and other marine life to grow.

The new reef will also serve as a destination for recreational fishing and scuba diving, benefiting local businesses.

All fuel, hazardous material, and debris was removed to ensure its safety to marine life before officials sank the vessel.