Updates:

A shipping container is dropped off the SC Coast.  Photo From the SCDNR Site.

An underwater shot of an artificial reef off the SC Coast. Photo from the SCDNR Site.

A buoy marks the site of an artificial reef off the coast of SC. Photo from the SCDNR site.

Shortly after Captain Nate Riley passed way in July of 2024, family and friends began to seek ways to honor his memory and his love of fishing. Expanding an existing offshore reef, or even building a new one, was one of the very early ideas we considered. However, initial inquiries suggested that costs would be beyond what we could take on. But then a family-friend, Brian Gale, proposed a cost-effective solution involving used shipping containers towed aboard his barge to the Whitewater Reef.

We owe particular thanks to Ryan Yaden, the Artificial Reef Program Coordinator at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) for his input and guidance; and for supporting the expansion of the Whitewater Reef, in an area to to be known as Captain Nate’s Oasis, at the following coordinates:

32 03.018 -080 44.719

We also wish to thank the following for their advice, guidance and support: Brian Gale with Daufuskie Island Transportation and Island Boat Works; Russell Patterson with the Hilton Head Island Reef Foundation; Erik Delong and Scott Whitaker at the Coastal Conservation Association of South Carolina; and Nate Jones at Broad Creek Marina.

We see this expansion of the Whitewater Reef as a very fitting tribute to Captain Nate, who was always up for an offshore fishing trip. Nate loved the opportunity to share his love of fishing with others. Knowing that this reef will serve sports fishermen and recreational divers for many years to come is particularly gratifying. We hope the success of this first project will lead to more in the future.

Keep checking back with us and thanks for your support!