El Dorado

El Dorado was deployed as an artificial reef in 2019. This 157-foot-long modern luxury cruise liner originally washed ashore in Panama City during Hurricane Ivan (2004). Marine salvor Lee Ingram, a Panama City native, purchased it and intended to restore the vessel and place it in service, but another hurricane, Michael in October 2018, carried it from its dock and deposited it on its side near the Florida State University Panama City property. Mr. Ingram donated the vessel as an artificial reef; it was deposited 12 nautical miles south of St. Andrew Bay Pass on May 3rd, 2019 in 103 feet of water. El Dorado provides a reminder of Florida’s history with the destructive forces of hurricanes but also illustrates how an unfortunate situation can lead to opportunity and positive outcomes.