Looks like she should make a good reef, eh?
"Southampton" Reef
Created December 7, 2001
On Friday, December 7, 2001, the 135' vessel named "Deer Island Southampton" was
sunk in 87 feet of water near the southeast corner of FH-13. The vessel was
previously named "DYROY". Foggy conditions threatened to deter the documentation
process, but efforts were successful and here are the results for your enjoyment.
This is going to make a fabulous dive and fishing reef for years to come. The vessel
landed upright with the bow facing east and minimum depth readings were taken at
around 56 feet of water.
Click on the pictures for larger hi-resolution images.
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This profile image basically shows you all sides of the vessel. Looks like she should make a good reef, eh? |
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Here she is going down.
Patches were knocked off at about 9:40 AM. She finally went down at about 11:11 AM. Click on the picture to see a full sequence captured off the video tape. |
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Even though the water was 69° and I didn't have my wet suit, I couldn't
stand the curiosity, so here are some first ever images of the reef underwater.
No, there aren't any fish on her yet, but we will compare these images with new ones next year. Next year's pics shouldn't show any escaping air bubbles like you see here. |
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The "IX 508" was the primary contracting vessel which towed the southampton
to her final resting spot.
The "IX 508" has also been instrumental in obtaining side-scan sonar imaging of the reef sites using some of the latest high tech research toys - including a remote controlled submarine! |
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The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources also showed up and was instrumental in getting the project done. |
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Miscellaneous other pictures of the project.... |