New reef created for marine life

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (AP) - The Great Wicomico entered service in 1945 as a military transport and cargo vessel, then in the 1960s became part of the Omega Protein fishing fleet.

This week, the ship began its service as an artificial reef about 13 miles south of Horn Island.

Omega Protein, which operates a pogy fishing fleet out of Moss Point, donated the ship to the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources.

Artificial reefs are natural or manmade objects dropped onto the sea floor to create habitats for sea life. Mississippi's artificial reef program began in 1999.

Omega Protein partnered with DMR and Mississippi Gulf Fishing Banks Inc. in placing the Great Wicomico.

The fuel, oil, engines and wood were removed from the vessel, and the fuel tanks were pressure-washed before it was submerged.