Enlarging the "Graveyard of the Atlantic"

North Carolina’s coast has many shipwrecks, victims of violent weather and even more violent war. However, this "Graveyard of the Atlantic" may soon be added to with a fleet of deliberately sunk ships.

These ships would create artificial reefs, bringing wildlife and tourist dollars in equally large quantities. The Eastern Carolina Artificial Reef Association has received a barge and a sailboat, and has its eyes on a large, decommissioned destroyer or cruiser.

"Tourism is the world's largest industry, and ecotourism is the fastest-growing segment of that industry," said professional ship-wrecker Joe Weatherby, of ReefMakers Inc.

However, it can be costly to sink a ship, because they must be thoroughly cleaned and prepared. There is also a lot of paperwork to be done in order to get permission. "These are all things involved. This is a very complicated process," said Jim Francesconi, artificial reef coordinator for the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. :: ENN

See also :: Where Do Airplanes Go When They Die?