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WWII Ship Transformed into Memorial Reef
22 Dec, 2025
Summary
- USS Mohawk now serves as a Veterans Memorial Reef off Sanibel Island.
- The ship was scuttled upright in 90 feet of water on July 2, 2012.
- An underwater art gallery featuring historic images was installed in 2013.
The USS Mohawk, a historic World War II vessel, now serves as the first Veterans Memorial Reef in Lee County, Florida, honoring all U.S. veterans. The 165-foot ship was deliberately sunk upright on July 2, 2012, approximately 30 miles off Sanibel Island, resting in 90 feet of water.
Following its scuttling, the USS Mohawk was prepared to ensure environmental safety. In May 2013, the sunken ship was transformed into an extraordinary underwater art gallery. Austrian photographer Andreas Franke installed 12 images, creating an exhibition that ran until September 14, 2013.
These artworks depicted the ship's rich history, including its survival of 14 Nazi U-boat attacks and its role in the Battle of the Atlantic. Franke's exhibition envisioned the lives of sailors who once served aboard the Mohawk, overlaying historical photographs with models in period attire. This initiative highlights the growing trend of artificial reefs enhancing marine life and offering unique cultural experiences.
