Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has added another major attraction to the state’s artificial reef system. The 408-foot Argosy VI was deployed this week, about 23 miles south of Orange Beach. The former Indiana riverboat casino now rests on the Gulf floor, serving as Alabama’s newest artificial reef. Officials said the project marks another milestone for one of the nation’s largest artificial reef programs.
The project began after the vessel was prepared in Bayou La Batre, where crews removed equipment and cleaned the ship before deployment. On Wednesday, the Argosy VI was towed offshore and intentionally sunk in 120 feet of water. The reef sits at N29° 52.206′, W087° 34.984′, with 62 to 64 feet of water above the vessel.
The project was funded under the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act following Gov. Kay Ivey’s 2025 approval. Officials said the vessel joins the LuLu, reefed in 2013, and the New Venture, deployed in 2018, completing a long-term plan to create three large artificial reefs in the same general area.
The project was funded under the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act following Gov. Kay Ivey’s 2025 approval. Officials said the vessel joins the LuLu, reefed in 2013, and the New Venture, deployed in 2018, completing a long-term plan to create three large artificial reefs in the same general area…