Okaloosa County’s Natural Resources Team deployed the MV SKIPPIN SUE, a 118-foot tugboat, as an artificial reef on Monday off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.

• The vessel was deployed on its port side in 77ft of water approximately 8 nautical miles offshore (30° 14.652’N, 86° 30.235’W).  

This deployment occurred in state waters within a quarter-mile of the RMS ATLANTIS vessel which was deployed as part of the county’s artificial reef program in June 2023.  Having these two large vessels in close proximity to each other will provide multiple fishing and diving opportunities and reduce crowding on these sites.

The deployment represents the completion of the first phase of a two-vessel artificial reef project approved by the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners in July 2024.

The total $740,000 contract with Coleen Marine Inc. funded the acquisition, preparation, towing from Norfolk, VA and deployment of both the MV SKIPPIN SUE and the MV SPIRIT OF NORFOLK, a 188-foot former dinner cruise ship that caught fire before being condemned.  

In a change of events, but still a large benefit to the artificial reef program, the MV SPIRIT OF NORFOLK was purchased by and transferred to the military for future use in exercises, but is expected to be deployed in the coming months. 

This allows Okaloosa County to use those savings for another vessel or two, according to Fogg.  In the coming months, staff in collaboration with Reef Smart Guides, will create a 3D interactive model that will add to the collection of more than 25 models available on the website and as static cards at local dive shops.

• “The MV SKIPPIN SUE is now in position to begin its new life as a thriving marine habitat,” said Alex Fogg, Natural Resources Chief for Okaloosa County. “This tugboat will provide excellent structure for marine species in our nearshore waters and create new opportunities for local anglers and divers.”

The tugboat’s lower profile made it suitable for deployment in shallower depths compared to larger vessels in the county’s artificial reef system. This, coupled with the deployment on its port side, reduced the overall relief by approximately 8 feet with the shallowest point being at 51ft. The vessel was identified as a potential reef during a May 2024 inspection of the MV SPIRIT OF NORFOLK, which was moored nearby.

• County officials determined that adding the tugboat to the existing project would be cost-effective due to mobilization and towing costs already being covered for the larger vessel.

“We’re building on Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s reputation as a fishing and diving destination one reef at a time,” Fogg said. “The MV SKIPPIN SUE adds another accessible option for recreational users while creating valuable marine habitat for our native critters.”

The project’s funding came from savings realized on previous artificial reef initiatives, including partnerships that fully funded other vessel deployments and reduced costs through tri-county cooperation. 

• Like these savings, the current transfer of the MV SPIRIT OF NORFOLK is slated to pay it forward and additional vessels will be identified for artificial reef opportunities, according to Fogg.

The MV SKIPPIN SUE deployment is part of Okaloosa County’s 5-Year Artificial Reef Plan aimed at making Destin-Fort Walton Beach the dive capital of Florida while enhancing its status as a premier fishing destination.

Click here for more info and coordinates (and future model): https://www.destinfwb.com/explore/eco-tourism/artificial-reefs/