MV Kraken
Cargo Freighter · United States · Lost 2017 · Texas & the Western Gulf
A 371-foot cargo vessel purpose-sunk in 2017 off Galveston, named for the mythical sea monster, now a deep artificial reef near the Flower Garden Banks.
Become Captain of RecordSee Shipwreck on Map
The Vessel and Her Loss
The Kraken was a 371-foot steel cargo vessel cleaned and prepared under the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Ships-to-Reefs program. It was intentionally sunk on January 20, 2017, about 67 miles off Galveston, near the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. The wreck now provides significant vertical relief and habitat on the sandy Gulf floor, drawing advanced wreck divers.
Vessel
- Not established
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- Steel
- 371 ft
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- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Artificial Reef Program
Loss
- January 20, 2017
- Intentional sinking
- About 67 miles off Galveston, Texas
- Gulf of Mexico
- Not established
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The Wreck Today
- 140 ft
- Intact hull structure providing extensive vertical relief on an otherwise flat sand bottom.
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Position
- 28.444° N 94.286° W
- Surveyed position
- Galveston, Texas
Position published by PADI and dive-site trackers citing TPWD deployment records.
Evidence
Overall confidence: Partially documented (60/100)
Original name, build year, and prior operating history of the vessel before its acquisition for reefing are not established in the sources reviewed.
Location, depth, and description of the reefing project.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Ships-to-Reefs
Confirmation of TPWD Ships-to-Reefs program operating this class of vessel deployment.
