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Marine Cleanup Initiative, Inc. (MCI), in collaboration with McCulley Marine Services and the St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program, announces the deployment of the historic M/Y Time, the first superyacht on record to be sunk as an artificial reef.   M/Y Time will become the A. A. Hendry Artificial Reef in memory of a Florida pioneering family. MCI is a 501(c)(3) corporation chartered to help solve the threats facing our waters today. Through people, science, and policy, we champion innovative solutions for sustainable oceans, rivers, and lakes for the State of Florida. The deployment of M/Y Time is the fifth deployment that MCI has been involved with since 2021 with St. Lucie County. The M/Y Time was acquired by Marine Cleanup Initiative in August 2022 through a generous donation from the Martin County Anglers Club of Martin County.  We extend our sincere gratitude to the MCAC for their contribution, which has made this endeavor possible. M/Y Time has undergone meticulous decommissioning by McCulley Marine Services, under the oversight of MCI, to meet Environmental Protection Agency standards.   We express our special thanks to Causeway Cove Marina for their unwavering dedication and support of the Marine Cleanup Initiative and M/Y Time. Their assistance has been instrumental in saving Marine Cleanup Initiative nearly $20k in storage fees. When visiting Causeway Cove Marina, please take a moment to admire their stainless-steel mobile bar, which was recommissioned from M/Y Time as a tribute to the presence of M/Y Time in Fort Pierce.  We'd like to say thank you to the St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for working together with us on this endeavor and helping make this process possible.  Safety remains our top priority, and we are collaborating closely with both the U.S. Coast Guard and FWC to ensure compliance with all safety measures and regulations during the deployment.  And we are grateful to everyone who has shown their unwavering support of M/Y Time. 

 This deployment pays tribute to the A.A. Hendry family, one of the pioneering cattle families of St. Lucie, Martin, and Hendry (FL) counties in the late 1800s.  This deployment will serve as a testament to the Hendry family's heritage and their profound impact on the region's history. We invite you to join us in commemorating their legacy and contributing to the conservation of our precious marine environment.

The deployment of M/Y Time is scheduled for July 15th at approximately 9:00 AM, with coordinates set at  27°26'12.0"N   80°01'08.0"W.  The deployment process is anticipated to last around 20 minutes, pending confirmation on the day and weather permitting.  This should place M/Y time in the water somewhere shortly before 11 am. We encourage individuals and organizations who share our commitment to marine conservation to join us on this momentous occasion. Through our collective efforts, we aim to remove debris and promote environmental preservation, ensuring a healthier marine ecosystem for future generations. Interested participants are urged to gather at the designated meeting point on July 15th, fully equipped with appropriate attire, protective gear, and any required certifications.

  For further information or to confirm your participation, please contact Christa Stone, Marine Cleanup Initiative, at 772-361-3614.  For information about the St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program and how you can get involved, please contact Mr. Jim Oppenborn at 772-519-6056 at oppenbornj@stlucieco.org 

Together, let us create a legacy in honor of the Hendry family and ensure the future well-being of our marine ecosystem for St. Lucie County and our oceans.