Cliftons wreck sunk – marks 4th sinking in 18 months

Clifton’s Wreck was a victim of hurricane Floyd in 1999. During the storm it broke free from the dock and was blown up onto the beach. After the storm, the Port Authority towed it off the beach and back to a dock. However, the vessel was damaged quite heavily and was continuously taking on water. Time passed while the owners pursued insurance for repairs. Ultimately, after 14 months, the Port Authority was informed by the owners that the ship was unrepairable and would be abandoned.

At this point the Port Authority contacted Stuart Cove. The two have an outstanding relationship and a gentleman’s agreement that if the Port Authority obtains title and rights to a vessel that Stuart Cove’s will fund the cleanup and provide the labor for the vessel to be sunk as an artificial reef for divers.

When the call came in, Stuart and his crew had to act quickly. The vessel was taking on water and everyone was nervous that it would sink at the dock.  Stuart and his team came in and shored up the vessel long enough that it could be prepped and cleaned for sinking. When that work was finished, the Port Authority donated the tug boats to bring the ship around to the dive site Stuart had selected.