Texas sank a 113-metre cargo ship in 2017; What divers discovered just 7 months later was remarkable

A shipwreck can be more than just an epitome of devastation. It can become a home to marine animals as well. In January 2017, a 113-metre-long cargo vessel weighing 499 tonnes disappeared beneath the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, about 65 miles off Galveston, Texas. What followed was a remarkable transformation that demonstrated the ocean’s power to transform man-made structures into abodes for marine life. Deliberately submerged at a depth of around 42 metres, the ship was intended to become an artificial reef that gave shelter and a surface to latch on for marine life – in an area dominated by sandy and muddy seabeds. Within just seven months of being sunk, the former cargo ship became a haven for marine life.

From Freight Ship To Submarine Attraction

Referred to as the Kraken, this 113-metre ship has transformed into a thriving artificial reef that attracts marine organisms, scuba divers, and fishing lovers. The wreck, with a weight of roughly 499 tonnes, currently acts as a habitat for marine life and a sanctuary for various fish species.

The ship lies approximately 42 metres below the Gulf of Mexico, where natural reefs are fairly limited. Its sturdy formation offers areas for marine organisms and invertebrates to attach, establishing a habitat that the nearby seabed is unable to provide.


Dale Shively, who directed the artificial reef initiative at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), stated in a 2019 video that a large portion of the Gulf’s seabed is made up of sand and mud. Because these surfaces provide few chances for organisms to cling to, intentionally placing solid structures can aid in creating more marine habitats.

Why The Kraken Was Sunk

According to BBC Wildlife, the method of sinking the ship involved creating openings on the ship’s sides to enable the seawater to enter and help the vessel descend in a controlled manner. The objective was to ensure that the stern reached the seabed first before the remaining structure settled into position.

Before sinking the vessel, the team could detect very little hint of marine life - the marine experts found some sharks but almost no red snapper or other typical reef-dwelling species. However, it all changed within seven months - Upon returning to investigate the sunken ship, scuba divers found a rich variety of marine life surrounding the wreck. Fish had congregated in great numbers, while marine life had started to inhabit the wreck, transforming it into an emerging underwater ecosystem. This included fish such as mackerel and red snapper.

The Kraken’s transformation illustrates how submerged vessels can contribute to marine habitat development while creating opportunities for recreational activities. By providing shelter and surfaces for organisms to thrive, not just survive, artificial reefs can encourage biodiversity.

In an interview with Brazilian shipping company Wilson Sons, environmental specialist Camila Pereira Felipe explained why sometimes sinking ships can save environmental diversity. “The artificial reef, which can be formed by tugboat hulls, creates an environment conducive to creating and protecting marine life. Species seek these points of attachment and reception. And the vessel is being colonised and becoming "alive", she said.

The Kraken’s story proves how a carefully planned artificial reef can give marine animals a new lease of life.