This time the weather conditions cooperated, and The U.S. Coast Guard cutter involved in the “Perfect Storm” rescue efforts was sunk off the coast of Cape May, as part of a program to construct an artificial reef.

The Coast Guard cutter Tamaroa, which became known for its role in the rescue effort chronicled in the book and movie “The Perfect Storm”,  first saw action in World War II, including at the Battle of Iwo Jima.

After scratching plans to sing the ship previously because of weather, Tamaroa was sunk about 30 miles from Cape May just after 1 p.m. Wednesday, in a site that is already home to other downed ships, according to NJ.com.

The ship underwent “extensive environmental preparation for reefing…included removing interior paneling and insulation, and emptying and cleaning the vessel of all fuel and fluids”, according to a Coast Guard press release.

The state has more than 15 artificial reefs. Environmentalists have criticized the state’s reef program, however, arguing that the structures could lead to over-fishing.

Courtesy of a NJ.com, here is drone video of the ship's sinking...

 

More From Lite 96.9 WFPG