The Atlantic Princess, which ran aground in Bayahibe on 15 August during Tropical Storm Fay, is to be intentionally sunk and turned into an artificial reef for scuba divers. The boat has been decontaminated and prepared for the sinking. The Environment and Tourism Ministries as well as the Navy will take part in this venture. Officials say the boat will be ready in about 15 days, once 100,000 gallons of contaminated water on board the ship have all been removed.
The boat is an attraction for tourists staying at hotels in the east, especially in the La Romana, Dominicus and Bayahibe area during the winter holidays.