The Prudence Ferry is getting a new lease on life.
A passionate group of marine enthusiasts is revitalizing the long-neglected ferry that has sat in Long Island City for over ten years. Their goal? To transform it into an artificial reef to support ocean life.
This past Saturday, a good number of volunteers rolled up their sleeves to clean up the decommissioned Prudence Ferry.
“It’s just been sitting there for so long,” shared Harris Moore, a 36-year-old local diver. He grew tired of seeing the abandoned ferry and decided it was time to do something about it.
“Sure, it’s been unused, but it’s still floating. It’s the right size—well, not too big, not too small, just right.”
The Prudence, which once shuttled passengers and vehicles in Rhode Island, has been docked at Annable Basin after a dream to turn it into a floating bar fell through.
Back in 2012, local plastics firm Plaxall purchased the vessel for $70,000 with ambitions of transforming it into a lively spot. However, various regulatory obstacles and structural issues derailed the plans.
Moore proposed the idea of making it an artificial reef and collaborated with Bill Cadden, president of the Long Island Artificial Reef Association, to bring this vision to life.
The plan is to sink the Prudence at a spot in the Atlantic known as 16 Fathom, about 13 nautical miles from Fire Island Inlet.
This initiative mirrors past efforts; since 2001, thousands of old subway cars have been placed in the ocean, providing habitats for flounder, tuna, and other marine creatures.
“Marine ecosystems are built on structure. Many organisms need solid surfaces to latch onto,” Moore explained. “Creatures like mussels, corals, and even fish rely on these structures for food and shelter. Without them, it’s almost lifeless.”
“When you come across a shipwreck, the life brimming from it contrasts sharply with the barren sand nearby,” he added.
Moore’s plans faced setbacks this winter due to harsh weather, which worsened the ferry’s condition, even flooding its engine room. Fortunately, Cadden managed to pump out the water and refloat the vessel.
Before the Prudence is sunk, it must be cleared of accumulated debris from its years of neglect.
Moore called for volunteers, and the response was incredible. On Saturday, a dozen volunteers participated, working to remove old wiring, sweep away debris, and dispose of deteriorating life jackets.
Volunteer Cat remarked, “We passed by this ferry daily and always had questions. Learning about the artificial reef initiative was fascinating.”
“Our job today is ensuring everything is tidy, so the fish don’t get caught on debris or ingest paint remnants,” Cat added.
Another volunteer, Will, noted that it felt like a meaningful initiative, and he wanted to see it succeed.
Daria, another cleaner, mentioned, “I think it’s a beautiful community project, and I really want to contribute.”
The volunteers are planning more cleanup efforts in the coming weeks, hoping to get the Prudence submerged by summer as part of the artificial reef project.
