HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – Concrete reef balls have been placed in and around the “Ghost Ship” sunk 20 miles west of Hernando Beach.

On April 23, the Hernando County Port Authority and Aquatic Services Division deployed a decommissioned concrete sailboat, known as the “Ghost Ship,” within Bendickson Reef.

The second phase of the project included deploying 25 concrete reef balls around and inside the ship to stabilize the wreck site.

A total of 16,500 pounds of reef balls were deployed. They were a donation from the Coastal Conservation Association, valued at $3,650.

The Ghost Ship is the first Adventure Coast wreck dive site.

“The Ghost Ship will not only enhance the divers’ experience but the fishing opportunities within the reef area as well,” said Aquatic Services and Waterways Manager Keith Kolasa.

“This new dive site will provide both high relief structure and deep cover habitat for desirable fish like gag and red grouper, mangrove and gray snapper, Spanish mackerel, and pelagic species including amberjack, cobia and kingfish.”

Visitors to the site are asked not to anchor directly on the wreck. Bendickson Reef is not suitable for beginning divers.