The Economic Times

In 2025, the 867-ton Spirit of Norfolk was sunk off Floridas Okaloosa County coast; the former dinner cruise ship now rests 128 feet underwater

In June 2022, the Spirit of Norfolk, a dinner cruise vessel, suffered a devastating fire and was declared unusable. Following a period of storage, Okaloosa County acquired the ship with a unique plan: to intentionally sink it 128 feet below the surface, creating an artificial reef. This innovative project supports marine ecosystems in line with Florida's commitment to improving underwater habitats through repurposed ships.