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Former Argosy Casino Riverboat Now on the Bottom of the Gulf

The riverboat was intentionally sunk to create one of the largest reef sites off the coast of Alabama

Photo via the City of Orange Beach.

(Alabama) - The casino vessel Argosy VI​ is now on the bottom of the Gulf. 

The former Lawrenceburg riverboat was intentionally sunk about 24 nautical miles south of Orange Beach, Alabama. 

The 408 feet long and over 80 feet wide vessel has become one of the largest reef sites in the 364-square mile Robert Shipp Alabama Artificial Reef Zone. 

The riverboat will now act as an important marine fisheries habitat and a fishing and scuba diving location. 

At four levels tall, the Argosy VI joins more than 400 other reef sites, including the 271-foot LuLu and the 250-foot New Venture – two of the state’s premier fishing and scuba diving locations within 7.5 miles of where the Argosy VI was sunk.

The riverboat had been docked in Bayou La Batre where it was prepped to become part of Alabama’s artificial reef system. During the preparation process, substances incompatible with the marine environment and all hydrocarbons were removed from the vessel. Prior to arriving in Alabama for reef preparation, the Argosy VI served as a floating casino on the Ohio River in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, until 2009.

 

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