On a typically hot but calm, July South Florida afternoon, a sizable flotilla of assorted boats of every description encircled a 324-foot tanker ship that was the object of their attention. From large 100-foot yachts and party boats, to Sport Fishermen, down to single passenger kayaks – dozens of watercraft carrying hundreds of spectators assembled to watch the newest addition to Shipwreck Park, the artificial reef project located off Pompano Beach.

The controlled sinking of Lady Luck, formerly known as the Newtown Creek, was widely publicized. The sinking was planned for a site approximately a mile and a half from the Pompano Beach Pier. Lady Luck is the largest addition to Shipwreck Park, which follows an imaginary boundary from Lauderdale-by-the-Sea to the south to the Deerfield Beach Pier to the north.

Initiative By Local Government And Businesses

Shipwreck Park, a joint local government and business initiative, enhances tourism in the area.

According to its website: (www.shipwreckparkpompano.org), “Lady Luck is one of the biggest contributions to Florida’s artificial reef system and one of the most easily accessible major dive sites in the nation. The ship will be the centerpiece of what will become known as Shipwreck Park, surrounded by 16 other existing wrecks covered with marine life. Shipwreck Park will be a unique underwater cultural arts park with rotating underwater art exhibits. The ship will include specific themes, exciting underwater events, artwork and rotating art exhibits to create a unique dive experience for local and international tourists.”
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