Radford to become artificial reef off Del. - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Radford to become artificial reef off Del.

INDIAN RIVER, Del. — A former Navy destroyer is heading to a watery resting place off the coast of Delaware, where it will become an artificial reef.

Delaware natural resources officials say the state will soon take title to the decommissioned destroyer Arthur W. Radford and plan to sink the 563-foot ship next summer off the Indian River Inlet.

The site picked for the ship is 26 miles off the coast, equidistant from Indian River, Cape May, N.J., and Ocean City, Md. Delaware officials say the reef is a joint effort of the three states.

Delaware Natural Resources Secretary Collin O’Mara says the reef will enhance the coastal economies of the three states through recreational fishing and diving.