A former Indiana riverboat casino will soon become part of the largest artificial reef system in the United States just off the coast of Alabama. The 408-foot Argosy VI will be intentionally sunk in 122 feet of water approximately 23 nautical miles south of Orange Beach on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, to create important marine fisheries habitat and become a fishing and scuba diving location in the state's largest artificial reef zone.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is providing a media day for reporters to take footage of the Argosy VI in Bayou La Batre from 10 a.m. until noon on Monday, June 29, prior to its departure for the reef site. The vessel is located at 14750 State Docks Rd., Bayou La Batre, AL, 36509.
ADCNR is also providing media the opportunity to cover the sinking of the Argosy VI on July 1. The Department will have boats leaving from its Marine Resources Division (MRD) Dauphin Island office at 8 a.m. and from Alabama Point in Orange Beach at 8:30 a.m. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the departure times.
For reporters who would like to attend media day and/or attend the sinking of the Argosy VI, please contact MRD Director Kevin Anson at (251) 463-3263 / kevin.anson@dcnr.alabama.gov. Reporters are encouraged to RSVP for the sinking of the Argosy VI by 5 p.m. on Monday, June 29, as space on the boats is limited.
DATES, TIMES & LOCATIONS
Argosy VI Media Day
Monday, June 29
10 a.m. until noon
14750 State Docks Rd., Bayou La Batre, AL, 36509
Sinking of the Argosy VI
Wednesday, July 1
Approximately 10 a.m.
Media boat departing the MRD office on Dauphin Island at 8 a.m.
Media boat departing Alabama Point in Orange Beach at 8:30 a.m.
ADCNR Officials Available for Interviews
- Kevin Anson, MRD Director
- Craig Newton, MRD Fisheries Section Supervisor
About the Argosy VI
At four levels tall, 408-feet long and more than 80 feet wide, the Argosy VI will be one of the largest reef sites in the 364-square mile Dr. Robert (Bob) Shipp Alabama Artificial Reef Zone and will join more than 400 other reef sites, including the 271-foot LuLu and the 250-foot New Venture – two of the state's premier fishing and scuba diving locations within 7.5 miles of where the Argosy VI will be sunk.
The Argosy VI is similar in size to World War II Liberty ships measuring more than 400 feet in length that were converted into reefs in the mid-1970s within what is now the Dr. Robert (Bob) Shipp Alabama Artificial Reef Zone. Sections of the Liberty ships still serve as fish habitat.
The Argosy VI has been docked in Bayou La Batre where it was prepped to become part of Alabama's artificial reef system. During the preparation process, substances incompatible with the marine environment and all hydrocarbons were removed from the vessel. Prior to arriving in Alabama for reef preparation, the Argosy VI served as a floating casino on the Ohio River in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, until 2009.
About Alabama's Artificial Reef System
MRD manages the creation and placement of artificial reefs in Alabama's coastal waters to increase reef fish habitat in support of robust marine fisheries. More than 1,100 square miles of offshore waters are included in the artificial reef areas of Alabama, making it the largest artificial reef program in the United States. Alabama's artificial reefs not only provide important fish habitat they support the state's outdoor recreation economy through providing excellent fishing and diving opportunities. Learn more at outdooralabama.com/saltwater-fishing/artificial-reefs.