Editor’s Note: A former version of this story incorrectly listed the status of Virginia’s artificial reef program. The Virginia Marine Resources Commission says the program is active and “robust.”
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The burned out shell of the Spirit of Norfolk will soon be headed to its final resting place.
Earlier this month Okaloosa County, Florida, leaders voted to buy the Spirit and turn it into a reef off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
There, it will provide a habitat for fish.
The former dinner cruise vessel sailed the Elizabeth River for 30 years before a fire consumed it back in June 2022.
Since then, it’s mostly been tied up off Campostella Road.
Coleen Marine told 10 On Your Side last year that they would have liked to have sank the boat off the coast of Virginia – so it could have continued serving the region. However, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission says the cost to purchase the ship and make sure it was clean was too much for their budget.
The VMRC says despite being unable to turn the Spirit into a reef, the department does have a robust artificial reef program. They’re currently looking to use former pieces of the old Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel expanse for reefs.
Here is what Coleen Marine said they have done to prepare the Spirit of Norfolk for reefing.
- Remove all insulation, to include rock wool in the overhead and bulkheads, half pipe insulation to include exhaust, and remains of insulation to clean the boat to a steel/metal surface.
- Remove all machinery from the engine room, to include generators, main engines and gear boxes, air compressors, refrigeration compressors and HVAC plant equipment, and elevator machinery.
- Remove all galley equipment to include the burned out walk in coolers, convection ovens and more.
- Cleaning and gas freeing of the fuel tanks and piping, leaving the vessel essentially free of hydrocarbons.
- Removal of engine room deck plates to facilitate the cleaning of the bilge.
- Removal of all wire and cable throughout the vessel.
- Removal of all windows or their remains.
- Removal of carpeting and remains of carpeting.
- Removal of heating and air conditioning equipment, refrigeration equipment, fire extinguishers and equipment. Please note that the fire rendered all these systems and equipment damaged or destroyed beyond recovery.
- Removal and recycling of lead acid batteries or the remains.
- Removal of exfoliating paint and debris throughout the vessel.
- Removal of diver hazards.
- Open up access to the vessel for better waterflow and diver accessibility.
- Removal of bow thruster, drive engine and equipment.