Re: Sinking Boat
It is a well planned process. Everything that can cause problems for wildlife is removed, wire, insulation, asbestos, lead paint, oil. fuel etc. then the boat is steamed cleaned. Next they cut holes in all bulkheads and tanks to avoid dead water areas. This lets the current flow through all of the boat. On the way to the site large holes are cut in the deck and just above the water line. They leave a small amount metal in place to hold the "new port". The boat is taken to the artificial reef spot and stationed exactly on spot. They are usually held on spot with a couple of very small dacaron cords untill the welders cut the remaining steel so the ports all open up and fall away. This puts the water line a few inches below all of the new openings. The last one I helped with had charges in the bottom of the boat. The welder reboarded our boat and they blew the bottom out of the old tug and in a few sesonds it droped below the new cutouts and was gone. The lines just snaped and fell into the water. ( dont use nylon) The boat in the picture may have been sunk on top of several others. The shape of the reef is well planned. In most areas it is well inshore of deep draft ships and well under any other type vessel. The ship yard is paid by the ton to prep and deliver onsite. The state likes to plant the charges if they use that method.
