Retired Research Ship Becomes N.C. Reef Habitat
Anglers and divers near Masonboro Inlet will find a new wreck site at reef AR-386 once the vessel is sunk in spring 2027.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Aquariums
Cape Fear Community College has donated the research vessel R/V Cape Hatteras to the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries' Artificial Reef Program. The 1981-built ship is being prepared in South Carolina for sinking to join artificial reef AR-386, planned for spring 2027.
Why it matters
North Carolina anglers and divers gain a new wreck-habitat site as the state expands its artificial reef network, while the college retires a vessel it had served students with since its 2013 purchase. The donation turns a decommissioned research boat into fish habitat rather than scrap.
The R/V Cape Hatteras was built in 1981 and purchased by Cape Fear Community College in 2013. Reef AR-386 lies about 18 miles from Masonboro Inlet in 80 feet of water and already contains several wrecks.
The players
Cape Fear Community College
A North Carolina community college that operated the R/V Cape Hatteras as a training vessel for students since purchasing it in 2013.
N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries
The North Carolina state agency that manages marine fisheries and runs the Artificial Reef Program receiving the donated vessel.
The details
Before sinking, crews are removing engines, equipment, and hazardous materials from the vessel in South Carolina, where it is currently located. Once prepared, the ship will be scuttled to settle on the seabed at reef AR-386. Wrecks like this one create hard structure that attracts fish and other marine life, which is why the state's artificial reef program accepts vessels for placement.
Timeline
1981: The R/V Cape Hatteras is built.
2013: Cape Fear Community College purchases the ship.
Spring 2027: The vessel is planned to join artificial reef AR-386.
The Home Front
Artificial reef programs like North Carolina's turn retired ships and other materials into managed fish habitat, a practice coastal states use to support recreational fishing. This donation follows that established pattern of placing decommissioned vessels on designated reef sites.
If you fish or dive off North Carolina's coast, reef AR-386 will become a new wreck site once the vessel is placed there. Check your local fishing regulations before visiting artificial reefs, since access rules can differ by site.
The takeaway
A retired research ship can keep working as marine habitat once it is cleaned of fuels, engines, and hazardous materials and placed on a designated reef. Anglers and divers planning trips to reef AR-386 should watch for the spring 2027 placement date.
What happens next
The R/V Cape Hatteras is scheduled to be sunk onto artificial reef AR-386 in spring 2027, after crews finish removing engines, equipment, and hazardous materials in South Carolina.
Further reading
For more on marine habitats, explore Aquariums coverage across North Carolina.
