Florida turns 324-foot tanker into an underwater casino reef

A retired New York tanker, once used for carrying sludge, is now set to become an underwater casino reef off the coast of Pompano Beach, Florida. The Lady Luck, a 324-foot vessel built in 1967, has been transformed into a marine attraction complete with poker tables, slot machines, and sculpted shark statues. This unique project, known as Shipwreck Park, aims to attract divers and enhance marine life conservation efforts.

The tanker was towed from New York to Florida in early 2016 after a decade-long search for a suitable vessel. Officials hoped that Lady Luck would become one of Florida's most unusual dive sites and a significant addition to the state's artificial reef program. The project is expected to lure around 35,000 divers annually.

What sets Lady Luck apart from other wrecks is its distinctive underwater features. The ship boasts three giant shark statues, a life-size mermaid, card-playing octopuses, and even fake slot machines and poker tables. Local artist Dennis MacDonald, working with a small team, designed the underwater casino and completed the project in approximately two months. MacDonald cleverly reused discarded ship parts like valves, springs, and other components in the artwork.

The Lady Luck's transformation does not only serve as an entertainment attraction but also as a thriving artificial reef. The wreck provides surfaces for coral growth and habitat for fish and other marine organisms. By diverting divers and marine life from natural reefs, the project aims to minimize damage to these sensitive ecosystems.

Lady Luck is one of 15 underwater wrecks that make up Shipwreck Park. Certified divers can access the attraction for free, but Pompano Beach sees the project as an experiment that combines tourism, art, and marine conservation. The result is an underwater playground with poker tables and giant sharks, giving life to Lady Luck's second chance beneath the waves.