Billy D ST-842

Billy D reef
Type:
artificial reef, tugboat, US Army
Built:
1945, American Machinery Company, Orlando CA USA, as ST-842, R.J. Wales
Specs:
( 80 x 23 ft )
Sponsor:
Artificial Reef Association
Sunk:
Sunday July 27, 1997 - Shark River Artificial Reef
GPS:
40°06.320' -73°41.855'
Depth:
125 ft

The abandoned Billy D sank twice over the winter in the Shrewsbury River ( spilling a great deal of diesel fuel and other pollutants ) before it was towed out and sunk as the latest and smallest addition to the Shark River artificial reef. Even after cleaning, the decrepit old tug was deemed too contaminated to sink in inshore waters. So it was towed out to the offshore reef, but couldn't manage to stay afloat for the whole trip, and sank just short of the reef site.

You won't find this one in any of the state's public records. Today the top of the wreck is at about 90-100 ft and can be penetrated through any of the side doors ( visible in the picture above. ) The superstructure shows obvious ice damage. The engine room and lower compartments look accessible from here, although I didn't try it.

Sealife is starting to take hold, although there is not yet a thick covering as on the older reef wrecks. I picked up a couple of scallops on the deck, but a complete search around the hull turned up only the usual fishes - Sea Bass and ling especially - but no bugs. There were also quite a few Sea Ravens on the wreck, including a bright yellow one. The wreck is fouled with quite a bit of rope and netting, although nothing dangerous, and also some monofilament. Obviously, the hook-and-line folks know where this wreck is, but the draggers do not!

Billy D reef

Ironically, the Billy D was once used by the artificial reef program to tow other vessels out to their final resting places. Here, she moves the Car Float barge.


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Carp

Cyprinus carpio

Size
to 36"
( record over 6 ft )

Description
A heavy-bodied, laterally compressed minnow with a long dorsal fin and arched back. The first ray of the dorsal and anal fins is a stout, serrated spine. The small triangular head tapers to a blunt snout. The small, protrusible mouth contains no teeth and is located below the snout. There are two pairs of barbels on the upper jaw. Body color is brassy green on top grading to bronze or gold on sides. The belly is yellowish-white. Fins typically are yellow, orange, golden, or light olive in color. The wild type of common carp is completely covered with large, round scales. Mirror carp has a few very large scales scattered over the body and leather carp are virtually scaleless.

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