Cape May Ferry To Become Artificial Reef

LEWES, DE- The Cape May-Lewes Ferry has been a staple of Delaware, but now one of those vessels will have a different use.

It was announced earlier this week that the ferry, MV Twin Capes, will be sunk 26 miles off of the coast in 2018.

It was sold to Delaware's Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control for $200,000 and officials say ridership levels are being adequately met by the three ships in use.

DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin said in a statement, "The Twin Capes is the one of the finest reefing candidates DNREC has ever seen, and as an artificial reef, it will be unparalleled as fish habitat and a spectacular dive for exploration."

The MV Twin Capes was significantly more costly to operate compared to her sister ships, requiring 17 crew members to operate and use 126 gallons of fuel per hour, with maintenance costs totaling over $1,000,000.

The ferry last made the trek in 2013 and will join 14 other artificial reefs in the water.