Dubbed the “The Lulu,” after local businesswoman and project support Lulu Buffet, the new wreck is latest artificial in an initiative by the Alabama Gulf Coast Reef & Restoration Foundation to grow dive tourism in the region. The project, almost a year in the making, is scheduled to culminate when explosive charges send the ship to the bottom in approximately 115 feet of water, 17 miles offshore of the Alabama/Florida border. On board attractions for divers include a massive open hold measuring 200 feet long and 28 feet deep and a large superstructure astern with four decks and several opportunities for penetration.

Scuba Diving magazine will be onsite for the big christening event Friday, May 24, at Lulu's Homeport Marina. Then we'll watch the scuttling event on Sunday, May 26, from the VIP/Media boat 17 miles offshore. And finally, we'll dive the Gulf of Mexico's newest artificial reef on Monday, May 27.

Watch our Twitter and Facebook feeds for the latest updates. And for more information on all the festivities, visit gulfshores.com.

SPECS

The Lulu (a.k.a. M.V. Yokamu)

Location 17 miles south of Perdido Pass on the Florida – Alabama border

Type steel hulled cargo ship

LOA 271 feet

Beam 39 feet

Profile 57 feet, 4 top decks** **