Florida sinks abandoned 227-foot ship to create artificial reef off Atlantic coast; How the Borocho ship helps rebuild marine life

An abandoned cargo ship that spent a decade deteriorating in Florida’s Miami River has found an unexpected final destination: the ocean floor. The 227-foot vessel, known as the Borocho, was deliberately sunk off Florida’s Atlantic coast to create an artificial reef, transforming a costly disposal problem into a potential habitat for marine life. The operation, completed in November 2025, was carried out through a partnership between the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Martin County. The ship now rests roughly 180–200 feet underwater, about nine miles offshore from the St. Lucie Inlet.

Why Florida Sank The Abandoned Cargo Ship

The Borocho had remained in the Miami River for around 10 years after its previous owner allowed it to fall into disrepair. Rather than send the vessel for conventional land-based disposal, Florida officials selected artificial reefing as a lower-cost alternative. According to the FWC, the agency’s Derelict Vessel Removal Program funded the operation in partnership with Martin County Environmental Resources. Marine contractor Resolve Marine Group was hired to prepare, move and sink the ship.

The process involved cutting openings along the vessel’s sides to allow water to enter. Once the sinking operation began, the ship was submerged in approximately an hour. The resulting site was named the Boo McCulley Reef, honouring John “Boo” McCulley, who spent more than two decades contributing to artificial reef development in Florida.

How The Sunken Ship Could Support Marine Life

The vessel has been placed in an offshore area where the seabed is largely sandy. Its structure could offer fish and other marine organisms surfaces and shelter that are less available across an otherwise relatively flat seafloor.

In coverage by local broadcaster WPTV, Martin County coastal programme manager Jessica Garland explained that a reef can provide places for fish to gather and feed. She also said the new site could give anglers and diving operators another destination to explore. The location extends an existing fishing corridor in the Sirotkin permitted area. Recreational anglers in the region target species including mackerel, amberjack and snapper.

The project is part of a much longer effort. Martin County’s artificial reef programme began in the 1970s and now includes more than 100 sites. The county also reuses clean concrete from construction and demolition projects, including material from the former Evans Crary Bridge, to create underwater structures.

Can Artificial Reefs Help The Environment?

The idea behind artificial reefs is straightforward: submerged structures can provide surfaces where corals, sponges and other organisms attach, while creating shelter for fish and invertebrates. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) notes that artificial reefs can be made from materials such as limestone, steel and concrete, as well as carefully prepared vessels and other structures. They may also support recreational fishing and diving.

However, sinking a ship does not automatically make it environmentally beneficial. Vessels must be appropriately prepared to reduce the risk of releasing contaminants or leaving hazardous materials underwater. NOAA also warns that artificial reefs must be managed carefully to avoid becoming a pretext for dumping waste into the sea. That makes preparation and long-term monitoring important parts of any project. The FWC says its artificial reef programme works with coastal governments, academic institutions and other partners to oversee reef development.

Giving An Unwanted Vessel A New Purpose

The Borocho project illustrates how a derelict vessel can be repurposed instead of simply discarded. Officials say artificial reefing was the least expensive disposal option in this case, while also creating a potential resource for marine life, anglers and divers. The reef’s long-term ecological impact will depend on how marine organisms colonise the structure and how the site is monitored over time. For now, a ship that spent years as a neglected river vessel has become part of Florida’s broader effort to build and maintain underwater habitats.