Available information indicates the freighter Shamrock was one of 965 landing craft utility (LCU) vessels built during World War II. The LCUs built during World War II were originally constructed as landing craft tank vessels (LCTs), and the M k . 6 LCTs were eventually redesignated LCUs in April 1956. These general‐purpose amphibious vessels had a length of 119 feet, a beam of 32 feet, and a displacement of 284tons. By 1974, all LCUs (former Mk.6 LCTs) were stricken, sold, or transferred under military aid programs. One of these LCUs was purchased and converted asa general cargo vessel, and renamed Shamrock. On June 2, 1978, U S . Customs Service agents discovered 3,168 pounds of marijuana sealed in drums aboard the Shamrock, which was subsequently seized. The US.government sought a motion for summary judgment and forfeiture of the vessel due to violation of numerous narcotic smuggling laws, which was ultimately granted by US District Court on October 21, 1981. Following an appeal, the judgment was reversed and remanded in February 1983 due to a failure to prove either the owner or the captain of the vessel was privy to the illegal activity. While the vessel was released, theShamrock did not operate long before her engine failed and she was tied up along the Miami River. After sitting idle for almost a year, her owner, Florida Marine Construction Company, agreed to sell the Shamrock to Miami-Dade County for $6,000, which included towing and cleaning of the former LCU. With the help of 200 pounds of dynamite and 30 tons of concrete blocks, the Shamrock w a s scuttled to serve as an artificial reef on June 28, 1985. The Shamrock came to rest upside down in approximately 45feet of water off Miami Beach and is a good site for novice divers, with abundant marine life.