435--Key West: Shipwreckers greet The Vandenberg
@ CherieSpotting
Apr 23 2009 - 08:46 PST | cherie writes: The Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg is a ship with an interesting past and a unique future. At 522-ft long, The Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg is about to become the world’s second longest artificial reef. (Note: the longest artificial reef is the 888-ft former USS Oriskany, a decommissioned aircraft carrier that now rests at the bottom of the sea near Pensacola, Fl.)
On April 22, the massive Vandenberg was tugged into Key West Harbor and greeted by hundreds of fans waving Conch Republic flags. Supporters of The Vandenberg (who call themselves “shipwreckers”) have endured ten long years of hassles, meetings and permits. But the shipwreckers dedication is about to pay off. In May 2009, The Vandenberg will be sunk in the waters off of Key West. While explosives will be involved, the sinking won’t be dramatic. Engineers hope she will slowly sink into her new home on the ocean floor in 140-ft of water.
(c) WheresCherie.COM / http://www.wherescherie.com/ |
|