The freighter Borocho is readied for its final resting place as an artificial reef off of Martin County. Photo Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
The Borocho, a 227-foot derelict freighter, has become Florida’s latest artificial reef.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in conjunction with Martin County, sank the vessel on Nov. 18 in order to create new marine habitat. It sits 180 feet below the surface nine miles offshore of the St. Lucie Inlet.
The Borocho sat in the Miami River for a decade after its previous owner allowed it to fall into disrepair. Following a derelict vessel investigation, the FWC hired a removal contractor, Resolve Marine Group Inc., to prepare, move and sink the freighter. Resolve Marine sank it by cutting holes along the vessel’s sides to allow it to flood. Within about an hour, the Borocho was fully submerged, creating the Boo McCulley Reef.
The name honors the late John “Boo” McCully of Fort Pierce, owner of McCulley Marine and a force in creating artificial reefs off Florida’s waters. McCully died in 2021.
Creating artificial reefing is a cheaper way of disposing derelict ships, cheaper than land disposal. These sunken ships have the added benefit of creating marine habitat while creating new opportunities for fishing and diving.
The FWC’s Derelict Vessel Removal Program is funded by the Legislature and helps state and local governments deal with the cost of removing derelict ships and boats. Leaving a vessel in a derelict condition is a crime. Derelict vessels, including those that are sinking, grounded, stripped or lacking vital systems, pose a risk to both people and Florida’s natural resources.
Published by Wild South Florida, PO Box 7241, Delray Beach, FL 33482.
Photographs by David Sedore. Photographs are property of the publishers and may not be used without permission.