">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Ship to become 2nd largest intentional reef
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Search
Search:
Ship to become 2nd largest intentional reef
By BRIAN SKOLOFF,Associated Press Writer AP - Tuesday, May 26
KEY WEST, Fla. - Aboard the Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg, a massive World War II ship last used by the U.S. Air Force to track missiles and spacecraft, it's anything but business as usual.
ADVERTISEMENT
Crews are preparing the decommissioned ship for sinking Wednesday seven miles off Key West, where it will become one of the world's biggest man-made reefs. Explosives attached to the ship's hull beneath the water level will be detonated to open it for flooding, which should quickly send it to the sea floor. The 17,000 ton, 523-foot-long ship will be sunk on a sandy bottom in about 140 feet of clear water.
"Don't go to the bathroom. Don't go get a beer. It should be under three minutes for the ship to fully deploy onto the bottom," said Joe Weatherby, project organizer at Reefmakers, a Moorestown, N.J.-based company that specializes in acquiring, preparing and sinking craft to create artificial reefs.
It's a project that has been years in the making.
The cost is about $8.6 million, from acquiring the ship to cleaning it. Officials in the Florida Keys expect it to pay dividends, up to $8 million in annual tourism-related revenue, mostly from divers flocking to get a look at the underwater spectacle.
The idea is to not only to attract tourists, but to help protect the Keys' natural reefs, already suffering from excessive diving, snorkeling and fishing along with warming ocean temperatures.
Weatherby said people _ and fish _ will now be drawn to the wreck from nearby natural coral, "giving the reef a breather, which is what it needs."
Preparation for sinking has taken months of inspections and cleanup to remove contaminants. Workers hauled off more than a million feet of wire, 1,500 vent gaskets, dozens of watertight steel doors, 81 bags of asbestos, 193 tons of potentially cancer-causing substances, 46 tons of garbage that could come loose and float to the surface, 300 pounds of materials containing mercury and 185 55-gallon drums of paint chips.
The cleanup was performed at two Norfolk, Va., shipyards before the boat made the 1,100-mile voyage, arriving in Key West on April 22. Permitting was required from 18 local, state and federal agencies.
The Vandenberg began as the Gen. Harry Taylor and was later commissioned by the Army as a transport vessel, ferrying troops and supplies from San Francisco to island bases in the western Pacific Ocean in 1944.
In 1945, it carried troops home from Europe near the end of World War II. It was later used by the Navy as a transport ship, and was transferred to the Air Force in 1961, when it was renamed the Vandenberg.
For about 20 more years, the ship served as a missile tracker throughout the height of the Cold War and was retired in 1983.
Mac Monroe, a former mission controller aboard the Vandenberg, said he was pleased the ship won't be turned into scrap metal.
"It's nice to see the old rust bucket again," Monroe said on a recent trip to Key West to see the ship. "And it's a positive outcome for it be sunk and become something useful again."
Organizers say it will serve as "the anchor" to the region's wide array of existing sunken vessels and wrecks from Key Largo to Key West, where some estimate there's a shipwreck about every 300 yards.
The rusty hulk is now tied up at a dock awaiting its final resting place on the ocean floor.
Organizers hope the Vandenberg sinking goes more smoothly than that of the Spiegel Grove off Key Largo in 2002. That 510-foot decommissioned landing ship dock partially sank upside-down, hours before an attempt to scuttle it to create an artificial reef. The sudden sinking sent 40 workers onboard scrambling for safety and left the ship's bow sticking out of the water for three weeks.
The Vandenberg will become the world's second largest intentionally sunk artificial reef.
In 2006, the USS Oriskany, a decommissioned aircraft carrier nearly three football fields in length, was sunk about 24 miles off the coast of Pensacola Beach in the Florida Panhandle. That ship became the world's largest intentionally sunk artificial reef.
"And it's been paying dividends since before it sank with the people coming for the event," Weatherby said. "We expect some of that same experience here."
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: World
Peru navy ship holding fuel stranded in GalapagosAFP - Tuesday, May 26
Air strike on Sudan convoy kills 119Reuters - Tuesday, May 26
Israel behind new claims on Hariri murder: HezbollahAFP - Tuesday, May 26
European farmers protest to demand help on milk pricesAFP - Tuesday, May 26
Norway resumes aid to ZimbabweReuters - Tuesday, May 26
Most Popular – World
Viewed
World Bank chief warns about economic crisis
Britain's Button wins Monaco Grand Prix
Climate change: World's destiny at stake
Smokers duped by light cigarettes: US court
Vitamin D boosts brain power in middle-aged men
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Tuesday, 26 May 2009 Church of Scientology on trial in France
Geithner rejects charges US moving toward socialism
ABN Amro reports loss in first quarter
Abbas to press Obama on Israeli settlement issue
| International
|
G8 hears oil prices could again soar when crisis eases
Cyclone slams Bangladesh and India, 33 dead
| International
|
Iran arrests 104 devil worshippers: report
| International
|
Opposition wins Mongolia presidential election
| International
|
Japan's central bank says recession may end soon
India's Bharti renews tie-up talks with MTN
BoJ chief sees 'mild recovery' for Japan
Asia Crude-Taiwan CPC buys Urals, 4th month in a row
Swat unrest prompts strike in Pakistan finance hub
S.Korea BOK to roll over half of maturing FX swaps
China plans 440-bln dlr stimulus for green energy
Seoul shares dip; investors shrug off N.Korea
S.Korean won recovers from losses on North Korea
China to resume IPOs as early as next month: govt
Komodo dragon attacks terrorize Indonesia villages
Church of Scientology on trial in France
Disturbing 'provocateur' movies at Cannes
Monica Bellucci's flat burgled while at Cannes
| Entertainment
|
Radio Canada rapped for Obama assassination joke
| Entertainment
|
Theatre fans up in arms over Marcel Marceau auction
| Entertainment
|
Hillary Clinton To Receive Honorary Degree From Yale University
In Second Statement, Obama Warns Of U.S. Determination To 'Stand Up' To North Korean Threat
Memorial Day National Moment Of Rememberance At 3p.m.
Americans Vactioning Closer To Home Memorial Day Weekend
Twin-Engine Plane Crashes In Daytona Beach; 1 Reported Dead
Update: U.N. Security Council To Meet, Discuss North Korean Nuclear Test
Air strike on Sudan convoy kills 119
European farmers protest to demand help on milk prices
North Korea fires more rockets, says U.S. hostile
| International
|
Israel behind new claims on Hariri murder: Hezbollah
Ukrainian gas repayments situation 'very difficult': Gazprom
Climate change: World's destiny at stake
Hard-line Israeli party to introduce loyalty bill
Iran's Ahmadinejad rejects Western nuclear proposal
| International
|
Iran says warships sent to Gulf of Aden
Suu Kyi to testify as Myanmar opens court again
| International
|
Germany eyeing Opel decision 'midweek'
China says being demonized over fake drugs
| International
|
Picking up the pieces from Afghanistan's war
| International
|
Air strike on Sudan convoy killed 119: state media
| International
|
Climate change: World's destiny at stake
Twitter eyes foray into TV
| Technology
|
Dying bulldog saves owner from Grand Rapids fire
Morning blast shatters windows in NYC Starbucks
Hillary Rodham Clinton surprises Yale graduates
Ship to become 2nd largest intentional reef
Mich professor, son each get Fulbright scholarship
After nuclear test, NKorea 'readying missile test'
Safety concerns put spotlight on U.S. commuter airlines
Malaysia's Sime Darby Q3 profit down 86 pct
Feds target Detroit area as Medicare fraud rises
Malaysian shares up 0.75 percent
Obama: N. Korea 'recklessly challenging' the world
Malaysia's Anwar vows tough defence in sodomy trial
Atlantis, crew land in Calif. after Hubble mission
Powerful cyclone leaves 15 dead in Bangladesh, India
France's Dassault likely back in race for Indian warjet deal
Task force to protect Philippine politicians: police
India's Bharti, SAfrica's MTN in fresh merger talks
US Speaker Pelosi tours China's financial hub
Pakistan battles for Swat capital, 2.38m uprooted
World fury over North Korea nuclear bomb test
Taiwan dollar down on Asian peers, c.bank comments
Thailand's economy shrinks 7.1 percent in Q1
China shares rise despite possible end of IPO ban
S.Korean markets recover from N.Korea nuclear shock
Mel Gibson says girlfriend is pregnant
| Entertainment
|
Twitter eyes foray into TV
| Entertainment
|
Broadcasters gear up for time-slot battles
| Entertainment
|
Brian Eno lights up Sydney Opera House for global warming
| Entertainment
|
Iran artists urge anti-Ahmadinejad vote
Italians try to calm fears of football fans violence
Springsteen, Spinal Tap to rock Glastonbury 2009
Coast Guard Searches Gulf Of Mexico For High School Grad Who Fell From Cruise Ship
Buffy the Vampire Slayer returning to big screen
| Entertainment
|
Gust Of Wind Sends Chopper Crashing Into New Hampshire Lake
Mexico invests big to lure back tourists
Chicagoan 12th Person in U.S. To Die From Swine Flu
Monica Bellucci's Paris flat burgled
| Entertainment
|
Two Children Drown When Florida Storm Overturns Boat
Austria hails Cannes heroes as trophy cabinet bulges
Versace says no friction between Donatella and CEO
| Entertainment
|
Sick Boy, Mom Return Home after Week's Disappearance
Web service Twitter plans TV competition series
NYPD Links Starbucks Blast To Other Bombings
Danny Boyle, Andie MacDowell on Shanghai film jury
Unlikely UK sensation Boyle sings rousing `Memory'
Afghan bomb attack kills three US soldiers: military
Virgin Atlantic says annual profits almost double
Pakistanis in Swat face catastrophe; clashes spread
| International
|
Reformist accuses Ahmadinejad of driving inflation
Russian economic outlook, deficit worsen
Sarkozy opens French military base in Gulf
Abbas to ask Obama to press Israel on settlements
| International
|
Israel to propose settlement compromise to US
Russian economy contracts 10.5 pct in April
British Beauty Queen Danielle Lloyd Attacked By Two Women During Night Out With Friends And Boyfriend
Twitter Says There Will Be No "Official" Reality Show
Five killed in Russian Caucasus violence
U.N. rights chief calls for Sri Lanka investigation
| International
|
Japan mouse study finds hair-loss gene: researcher
Gabrielle Union Wants Gossip Website To Take Down Scandalous Anonymous Letter Against Her
Cyclone Aila kills nearly 120 in Bangladesh, India
| International
|
Iran's Ahmadinejad wants to debate Obama at UN
Billy Joel's Ex-Drummer Sues Him For Unpaid Royalties
Curfew imposed in India's Punjab after riots
| International
|
Pre-state Jewish underground leader dies at 91
GM reaches cost-cutting deal with Canadian union
H1N1 flu infects 13,000 people in 46 countries: WHO
| International
|
Monica Bellucci's Paris Apartment Burglarized
Former Wilco Member Jay Bennet Dies At Age 45
T.I.'s Request To Delay Prison Term Denied, To Report In Jail Tuesday
Stampede At Moroccan Music Festival Kills 11
France urges US to catch up on emissions cuts
Pelosi calls for US-Chinese climate cooperation
"SYTYCD" Judge Nigel Lythgoe Says Sorry For "Brokeback" Comments
Govt to announce billions for green jobs, training
Kevin Bacon's Blackberry Snatched In NY Subway Station
Study: businesses can create clean energy jobs
Nokia opens Ovi online software and content store
| Technology
|
Renown climber warns Everest facing climate damage
Netanyahu willing to 'give up outposts'
Dalai Lama likely to be honored by Paris mayor
Asustek aims to be No.3 laptop vendor in 2011
| Technology
|
Israelis to hold talks with US on Iran, settlements
HP recalls 15,000 laptop batteries sold in China
| Technology
|
South Korea says 3 Americans among 4 new flu cases
China, SKorea defense chiefs discuss nuclear test
Malaysian opposition MPs arrested at hunger strike
Myanmar's Suu Kyi denies charges at trial
NASA scrubs first Sunday shuttle landing try
Four kidnapped teachers freed in Philippines
73 killed as Cyclone Aila hits India, Bangladesh
Pelosi calls for US-Chinese climate cooperation
China TV, IMG to stage China Open tennis
Myanmar's Suu Kyi testifies about American visitor
Nikon to slash 1,000 jobs amid looming loss
Myanmar's Suu Kyi denies violating house arrest
Nikon to cut 1,000 jobs amid looming loss
Philippines March imports fall 36.2%
Taiwan dollar softens on North Korea news, c.bank
S.Korean c.bank member wanted rate cut in April
China defends safety of drug exports
No impact on South Korea ratings from North -Fitch
Japan's Nikon to cut 1,000 jobs
Hainan Air gives parent firms shares for state aid
Glastonbury returns to roots, Springsteen headlines
| Entertainment
|
Indonesian anteater carcasses headed for China
Rapper T.I. to report to Ark. federal prison
Marcel Marceau's top hat hits Paris auction blocks
Rare Audrey Hepburn stamp goes to auction
Darrow study brings `Trials of Century' to life
Book navigates crosscurrents of immigration
Q&A: `Fight Club' author has a new small hero
Worried book industry gathers for convention
Taiwan invests in future of baseball
California court to rule on gay marriage ban
Finding peace after living a family 'lie'
Canada's Governor General Eats Raw Seal Heart To Support Traditional Hunting
Hairspray Bacteria, No-Buzz Coffee Bean Among Top New Species
Police Find Man Passed Out In Silverdale Wendy's Drive-Thru
Cocaine Content Sparks Ban On Energy Drink In German States
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights