CFCC’s Cape Hatteras research vessel prepares for new life as artificial reef

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Cape Fear Community College’s marine technology program is preparing for a change as one of its longtime training vessels begins its final journey at sea before taking on a new role beneath the waves.

The R/V Cape Hatteras left the college’s Marine Technology dock with an official horn, marking the end of its time as a research and training vessel. Purchased by CFCC in 2013, the 135-foot ship has served as a floating classroom for more than a decade, giving students hands-on experience at sea.

“The next chapter for the Cape Hatteras, you know, it is closing here at the Marine Tech program, but it is a new chapter for the ship,” said Kameron Knight, captain of the Cape Hatteras.

Knight said the vessel has helped prepare students for the real-world challenges of working at sea.

“You know, they have a platform like this, students are, they’re trained up, you know, they get hands on, they work in different, adverse weather conditions, work early mornings, late nights out at sea, getting gear over the side safely so it’s invaluable training for sure,” said Knight.

That hands-on experience is what attracted students such as Maggie Ashburn to CFCC’s marine technology program.

“I think coming in I knew it was going to be a really hands-on program, and that’s kind of what drew me to it for the real life, hands-on experience but, the more I’ve gotten into things and, you know, learned about the boat and what they’re doing with it, I think it’s just really made me appreciate more what the program offers,” said Ashburn.

Rather than being scrapped, the vessel is being prepared for a second life as an artificial reef about 18 miles off the coast. The project is intended to provide habitat for marine life while creating new opportunities for students to study the ocean floor.

Knight said students will be able to use the wreck as a training resource for years to come, applying the sonar and surveying skills they learn in the program.

“The cool thing too as well, our students are trained in side-scan sonar, hydrographic surveys, so when we get the new boat here, we will definitely go out and be able to scan this wreck over the next couple decades and see the changes that take place with it,” said Knight.

The Cape Hatteras is headed to Stevens Shipyard on Yonges Island, South Carolina, where it will spend three to four months undergoing preparations for sinking. The work includes draining oil and removing other hazardous materials to help ensure the vessel is environmentally safe before it becomes part of the reef.

The goal is to sink the ship in spring 2027, giving the longtime training vessel a new purpose supporting marine ecosystems and continuing to serve CFCC students long after its time on the water ends.