Riverboat casino Argosy VI sunk for Orange Beach artificial reef system
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A former Indiana riverboat casino, the Argosy VI, was sunk in Orange Beach on Wednesday, July 1 — but it was intentional! The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced the sinking of the riverboat, which will create important marine fisheries habitat as well as become a fishing and scuba diving location in Alabama’s largest artificial reef zone.
The Argosy VI sank roughly 23 nautical miles south of Orange Beach in 122 feet of water.
Here’s a quick run-down:
- Who: The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR)
- What: The Argosy VI, a former riverboat casino, was intentionally sunk
- When: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
- Where: About 23 nautical miles south of Orange Beach
- Why: To create important an artificial marine habitat + a fishing/scuba diving location
Keep reading to learn more about the Argosy VI + the reef site!
The Argosy VI, one of Alabama’s largest artificial reef sites
The former riverboat is the largest reef site in the 364-square-mile reef zone, officially known as the Dr. Robert (Bob) Shipp Alabama Artificial Reef Zone. The reef zone is home to more than 400 other reef sites.
At four levels tall, 408-feet long and over 80 feet wide, the Argosy VI is similar to the size of World War II Liberty ships.
Argosy VI was a floating casino on the Ohio River in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, until 2009. Before it could become a part of Alabama’s artificial reef system, the riverboat was docked in Bayou La Batre, where substances unsuited for the marine environment, including all hydrocarbons, were removed from it.
The artificial reef zone, created and managed by ADCNR’s Marine Resources Division, exists to increase reef fish habitat. Over 1,100 square miles of offshore waters are included in Alabama’s artificial reef areas, making it the largest artificial reef program in the United States.
Another bonus of the artificial reef sites are the way in which they support the state’s outdoor recreation economy. The Argosy VI will provide visitors with one more prime scuba diving and fishing spot.
Check out other sites below (two of Alabama’s premier fishing/scuba diving locations):
- 271-foot LuLu
- Retired coastal freighter ship, intentionally sunk in 2013
- 250-foot Fairfield New Venture
- Former research vessel, intentiionally sunk in 2018
