Changing the name of the vessel

by Daniel Fasano

I am so honored and proud to be the sponsor of the naming and sinking of the new Miracle of Life Shipwreck. My friend Pavan at Dixie Divers has gone to great depth to arrange this event. Pavan not knowing that as time grew nearer acquiring this vessel would become so meaningful by adding new life to our precious Ocean Sea Life, but also brought new meaning to my life.

I became a newly certified Open Water Diver in mid 2006 after great fears of swimming in the Ocean, I quickly learn of how wonderful the experience of diving was and experiencing the sea life was now my passion. In January of 2007 I received disturbing news that I have been diagnosed with Leukemia (ALL-Acute Lymphoblast Leukemia). I that spent the next seven months undergoing chemo treatments at the H.E. Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida and quickly went into remission, unfortunately it only lasted for the nineteen month. My doctors at Moffitt explained that the only chance for a possible cure was to have a Bone Marrow Transplant. As of January 17, 2009 I am like a new born baby with a 65 days old immune system, a Miracle of Life thanks to a twenty- four old Bone Marrow Donor.

The sinking of this vessel is the meaning of the Miracle of Life that can be renewed. As founder of AsSeenOnTV.com and proud sponsor for funding this now to be annual event and in recognition and support of my not for profit Miracle of Life Foundation, the Leukemia Lymphoma Foundation, Hospice of South Florida, and H. E. Moffitt Cancer Center.

This is a monumental event that has not occurred in more the 5 year on the coast of South East Florida and to dedicate the sinking of this vessel raising awareness to all the worthy causes that will one day affect all of or lives.

Transfer of Vessel Ownership

It is our understanding that the freighter is now in possession of US Customs who is actively pursing the prosecution of the responsible drug traffickers. According to Broward County, transfer of the freighter ownership will only be to a “municipality” in the county. We believe similar transfers from US Customs to neighboring counties, i.e., Miami-Dade and Palm Beach, have occurred in the past. Apparently, US Customs is targeting transfer of the freighter to a location in Broward County.

Vessel Decommissioning

The US EPA has published guidance on vessel decommissioning – preparing the vessel for use an artificial reef (http://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/habitat/artificialreefs/finalguidance.html). This guidance satisfies the mandate of Section 3516 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004, which amends existing law to require that the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) jointly develop guidance recommending environmental best management practices (BMP's) to be used in the preparation of vessels for use as artificial reefs.

The BMP guidance identifies materials of concern that may be present aboard vessels, identifies where these materials may be found, and describes their potential adverse impacts if released into the marine environment.

This guidance will be followed by a Florida-licensed contractor, prior to the vessel transported to its final resting place.

Financial Obligation

The cost to decommission, transport and place “Miss Lourdies” in her final resting place off Deerfield Beach will be covered by private contributions from members of the surrounding community. Under the present scenario, there is no cost obligation to the City of Deerfield Beach for the above-mentioned services.