DOVER, DE — Delaware has added two historic vessels to its renowned artificial reef system, enhancing marine habitat for angling and diving enthusiasts. On Monday, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) sank a World War II-era tugboat and a retired Baltimore fireboat onto Reef Site 11, also known as the Redbird Reef.
The two vessels, the tugboat MARAD TD-21 and the fireboat Mayor J. Harold Grady, were submerged to create new marine habitats at depths of 75 and 80 feet respectively. DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin emphasized the dual benefits of the project. “Our giving these boats a continued existence as reef deployments cultivating marine life while providing recreational fishing and diving opportunities also pays tribute to what they once were, when they served our country’s maritime and public safety needs,” he said.
The Mayor J. Harold Grady, commissioned in 1960, was among the most advanced fireboats of its time, capable of pumping 6,000 gallons of water per minute. The 86-foot vessel served Baltimore until 2007 and played a crucial role in battling the inner harbor fire of 1968.
The tugboat MARAD TD-21 was built in 1943 for the Defense Plant Corporation and was one of 100 steel-hulled tugs used to maneuver domestic shipping during World War II. The vessel, also 86 feet long, was part of a fleet designed to ensure safe and efficient port operations.
The sinking of these vessels was executed by Norfolk-based contractor Coleen Marine, which has managed many of Delaware’s reef deployments. Before their submersion, both ships were thoroughly cleaned and certified for environmental safety by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Reef Site 11, or Redbird Reef, already hosts over 700 retired New York City subway cars and numerous other vessels, making it a popular destination for anglers and divers. The new additions further enrich this underwater habitat, which spans 1.3 square miles of ocean floor.
Delaware’s artificial reef program boasts an impressive array of sunken ships, including the destroyer ex-USS Arthur W. Radford, the longest ship reefed on the Atlantic Coast. The reefs not only provide recreational opportunities but also play a vital role in marine conservation by creating thriving ecosystems.
As DNREC continues to enhance its artificial reef system, the addition of the MARAD TD-21 and the Mayor J. Harold Grady highlights the state’s efforts to preserve maritime history while promoting marine biodiversity.
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