Bryson Memorial Reef

108′ X 35′ Tugboat, the “Moonlighter” and the 88 X 35ft Offshore Fire Rescue Tug “Atlas”.  Both Deployed February 1997 from a $25,000 grant from the Bryson Family.

Attached Photos taken on the Moonlighter in 2021.

OAR Memorial Reefs

OAR’s first memorial reef was launched in 1997 in tribute to Bill Bryson, Sr. and his son Strom Porter Bryson.  The group secured an ocean tug and river tug and sank them 300 yards apart 20 miles offshore. The idea of creating a living, breathing memorial in honor of a loved one had a ripple effect, and since then, OAR has assisted – families in all aspects of reef creation, from permitting and writing grants to site location and deployment. Families host fundraisers and solicit donations to support the project. Considered full partners in the process, they help determine site location and reef type, and are given naming rights for the entire reef.