On June 24th, 2009, an old decommissioned Tugboat named 'The Red Sea' was sunk 6 miles off shore in Panama City Beach. The wreck will become a new dive site and natural barrier reef.
And Just Like That....She's Gone!
The sinking of the Red Sea was organized by the Panama City Beach CVB and Florida Aquatic and Marine. The ship will serve as a spot for diving in Florida.
Photo courtesy of Alan McAnulty.
Going down.....
This will be the first new shallow wreck site in the area since 1995. Both experienced and novice divers will enjoy this Florida wreck diving spot.
Photo courtesy of Alan McAnulty.
Journey to the Bottom of the Ocean
The sinking had been in the planning stages for nearly two years and went off without a hitch! The tugboat will become another spot for Florida wreck diving in Panama City Beach.
Photo courtesy of Alan McAnulty.
She Goes Down With a Splash!
The Red Sea was 125 feet feet long and 30 feet wide, and was built in Philadelphia in 1929. The Tugboat was found derelict in the Florida Keys and brought to Panama City Beach for sinking, to be made into a perfect spot for Florida wreck diving.
Photo courtesy of Alan McAnulty.
She Starts to Tip!
The Red Sea will rest 75 feet below the surface of the water and become a haven for Florida wreck diving.
Photo courtesy of Alan McAnulty.
The Red Sea - a Decommissioned Tugboat
The Red Sea Tugboat, sunk on June 24th, 2009 to be used as a site for Florida wreck diving. The event was observed by locals, divers, visitors and media.
Photo courtesy of Alan McAnulty.
The Red Sea - from Tugboat to Florida Wreck Diving Site
Once sunk, The Red Sea will become a natural barrier reef and site for Florida wreck diving. Panama City Beach has earned the nickname "Wreck Capital of the South" thanks to the great number of sunken wrecks off shore.
Photo courtesy of Alan McAnulty.
The Red Sea Awaits Her Fate.
The Red Sea in all her glory before the exciting sinking process begins! The tugboat will become a spot for wreck diving in Florida.
Photo courtesy of Alan McAnulty.
The Red Sea in her Final Moments.
The Red Sea wreck is located 6 miles off shore approximately 1 mile south of the old Midway site near the USS Strength. She will now be used as a site for Florida wreck diving.
Photo courtesy of Alan McAnulty.
The ship is almost sunk in Panama City Beach
The Red Sea descends into the Gulf, watched by hundreds of excited spectators in Panama City Beach. This is sure to be a favorite new spot for Florida wreck diving.
Photo courtesy of Alan McAnulty.
The Ship on her way down in Panama City Beach
The Red Sea starts to show signs of commencing her journey downward in Panama City Beach. The ship will serve as an artificial reed and spot for Florida wreck diving.
Photo courtesy of Alan McAnulty.
The Tugboat
It's hard not to imagine The Red Sea in her former days as a working tugboat before she was sunk. Now she will serve as a home for Florida wreck diving in Panama City Beach.
Photo courtesy of Alan McAnulty.
There's Something You Don't See Every Day!
This newest artificial reef is bound to attract thousands of sea creatures, and make a perfect spot for Florida wreck diving.
Photo courtesy of Alan McAnulty.
