SKIPPIN SUE

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Tug sank as artificial reef

On June 2, 2025, the Okaloosa's Natural Resources Team has scuttled the 'Skippin Sue' eight nautical miles offshore on Monday to create underwater habitat for marine life, in state waters within a quarter-mile of the RMS 'Atlantis', which was sunk as part of the county’s artificial reef program in June 2023. The tug went down bow first and came to rest on its port side in 77 feet water depth, approximately eight nautical miles off the coast in pos. 30° 14.652’N, 86° 30.235’W. Having these two large vessels in close proximity to each other will provide multiple fishing and diving opportunities and reduce crowding on these sites. The sinking represents the completion of the first phase of a two-vessel artificial reef project approved by the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners in July 2024. The total $740,000 contract with the Coleen Marine Inc. funded the acquisition, preparation, towing from Norfolk, VA and sinking of both the Skipping Sue' and the'Spirit of Norfolk', a 188-foot former dinner cruise ship that caught fire before being condemned. In a change of events, the latter was purchased by and transferred to the military for future use in exercises, but is expected to be scuttled in the coming months. This allows Okaloosa County to use those savings for one or two more vessels. The tug's lower profile made it suitable for sinking it in shallower depths compared to larger vessels in the county’s artificial reef system. As the ship was resting on its port side, the overall relief was by approximately feet with the shallowest point being at 51 feet. The project’s funding came from savings realized on previous artificial reef initiatives, including partnerships that fully funded other vessel deployments and reduced costs through tri-county cooperation. The sinking of the tug is part of Okaloosa County’s 5-Year Artificial Reef Plan aimed at making Destin-Fort Walton Beach the dive capital of Florida while enhancing its status as a premier fishing destination. More info and coordinates (and future model): https://www.destinfwb.com/explore/eco-tourism/artificial-reefs/ Reports with photos: https://www.getthecoast.com/okaloosa-deploys-118-foot-tugboat-as-artificial-reef-offshore-destin-fort-walton-beach-coast/ https://www.getthecoast.com/dinner-cruise-ship-tugboat-to-become-okaloosas-newest-artificial-reefs/

Tug to be scuttled as artificial reef

Okaloosa County commissioners approved a $740,000 contract to transform the fire damaged passenger ship 'Spirit of Norfolk' (IMO: 8861618) into an artificial reef along with the 'Skippin Sue', in order to enhance local marine habitats and tourism. The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners approved a contract on July 16, 2024, for the acquisition, preparation, and deployment of the two vessels as artificial reefs off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. The $740,000 contract with the Coleen Marine Inc. will fund the transformation of the passenger ship and the tug into underwater habitats for marine life. An additional $42,000 was approved as a weather contingency, bringing the total potential project cost to $782,000. The former dinner cruise vessel was damaged by fire beyond repair. The ship will provide nearly 40 feet of relief with a 16-foot mast, making it one of the highest-profile artificial reefs in the area. Following negotiations, a formal inspection was conducted in May, and during that inspection a second vessel,the 'Skippin Sue', was also identified as a potential reef. Due to mobilization and towing costs already being covered in the cost of the 'Spirit of Norfolk' project, the cost of the second vessel was lower than similar vessel projects, and it was determined that piggybacking this vessel on the existing project was in the best interest of the artificial reef program. The tug is slated for deployment in state waters less than nine miles offshore. Its lower profile makes it suitable for shallower depths in the nearshore artificial reef system, making it ideal for scuba diving and fishing opportunities. The new reefs will provide essential habitat for numerous fish species, further enhancing Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s reputation as a premier fishing and diving destination in Florida.