From Warship and Ocean Liner to Reef: How Ships Are Sunk to Create Underwater Havens
Creating artificial reefs from decommissioned ships is a fascinating and environmentally beneficial process—one that turns steel giants of the sea into thriving marine ecosystems. Around the world, communities, governments, and environmental groups are working together to carefully prepare and sink ships, offering both ecological restoration and recreational opportunities.
Not every ship is a good candidate for reefing. The first step is selecting a vessel that’s structurally sound and environmentally viable. Governments and maritime authorities, such as the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), evaluate each ship to ensure it won’t pose future hazards. Factors like size, shape, and the material of construction are taken into account, as well as the ship’s history and condition. The ultimate goal is to find vessels that can be safely transformed into stable and long-lasting habitats.
Before a ship is sent to its final resting place beneath the waves, it must undergo extensive environmental cleaning. All hazardous materials—such as fuel, oil, asbestos, PCBs, and mercury—are removed in compliance with environmental regulations. Interior compartments are stripped of wiring, insulation, and anything else that could leach toxins or harm marine life.
In addition to cleaning, ships are modified to make them safe for divers and to ensure a successful sink. Sharp edges are removed, unstable structures are reinforced or taken off, and holes are cut into the hull and decks to allow water—and eventually marine life—to flow freely. These modifications help prevent dangerous air pockets and create easy access for exploration.
Once the ship is clean and ready, it’s towed to a carefully selected reef site. These locations are chosen to avoid disrupting natural reefs, navigational paths, or commercial fishing zones, and to optimize the potential for marine life colonization.
The actual sinking is a carefully orchestrated operation. Crews may open seacocks to slowly flood the ship or use small, controlled charges to initiate a descent. Ideally, the ship settles upright on the ocean floor to provide the best structure for sea life and future divers.
Once submerged, the ship quickly begins its second life. The metal surfaces become covered with algae and coral, and over time, the vessel transforms into a bustling artificial reef. Fish, crustaceans, and other marine animals move in, drawn by the shelter and new food sources. This process not only restores habitat in overfished or damaged areas but also eases pressure on natural reefs.
Artificial reefs also attract thousands of recreational divers and snorkelers each year, bringing a welcome boost to local economies, especially in coastal and island regions.
The USS Kittiwake
One of the most well-known and easily accessible artificial reef projects in the Caribbean is the USS Kittiwake, a 251-foot former submarine rescue vessel. After serving the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1994, the Kittiwake was acquired by the Cayman Islands Tourism Association. Following years of preparation—including thorough cleaning and structural modifications—it was sunk just off Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman in January 2011.
Thanks to its shallow depth and excellent visibility, the Kittiwake quickly became a favorite among divers and snorkelers. For years it lay upright in crystal-clear Caribbean waters, where it has developed into a vibrant reef, teeming with marine life such as barracuda, sea turtles, angelfish, and coral formations. Though a storm did push the wreck more onto her side, she is still full of life.
The Kittiwake is not just a dive site—it’s a symbol of how the end of one mission can lead to the beginning of another, this time in service of the sea. On a personal note it is an incredible dive and well worth a visit.
SS United States
The SS United States, once the fastest ocean liner ever built, is now poised for a remarkable transformation into the world’s largest artificial reef. After spending nearly three decades docked in Philadelphia, the 990-foot vessel embarked on its final voyage in February 2025, destined for the Gulf of Mexico off Florida’s coast. Okaloosa County, Florida, acquired the ship for $1 million, planning to sink it approximately 20 nautical miles south of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, where it will join over 500 existing artificial reefs in the area. (Manistee News Advocate, Get The Coast, Wikipedia)
Before its submersion, the SS United States is undergoing extensive environmental remediation at the Port of Mobile, Alabama. Crews are meticulously removing hazardous materials, including fuel residues, asbestos, wiring, plastics, and glass, to ensure the vessel poses no ecological threats once underwater. The goal is to leave behind a clean steel and aluminum structure that will serve as a habitat for marine life. (AP News, WHYY)
The ship’s final resting place will be in waters about 180 feet deep, with its upper decks reaching as close as 60 feet from the surface. This depth range makes the site accessible to both novice and experienced divers, promising to boost local tourism and provide a new haven for marine species. The project, estimated at $10.1 million, also includes plans for a land-based museum to honor the ship’s storied past. (AP News)
While some preservationists have filed lawsuits to prevent the sinking, citing the ship’s historical significance, officials argue that transforming the SS United States into an artificial reef offers a sustainable alternative to scrapping. Once submerged, the vessel will not only preserve its legacy beneath the waves but also contribute to marine conservation and local economic development. (AP News)
Sinking ships to create artificial reefs is a unique intersection of engineering, environmental stewardship, and adventure tourism. It’s a process that demands precision, planning, and a strong commitment to safety and sustainability. But when done right, it transforms retired vessels into new underwater worlds—like the USS Kittiwake—that inspire wonder, support marine life, and tell stories long after their final voyage.
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