Press Release

The City of Pompano Beach and Shipwreck Park invite members of the media to experience a one-of-a-kind underwater public art event as “Reef Rider,” a spectacular six-foot-tall, human-size seahorse sculpture created for the City’s Underwater Shipwreck Park, makes its journey from shore to sea.

Created by renowned artist Andrew Shook, known professionally as The Velvet Anvil, “Reef Rider” is the newest addition to the underwater art experience surrounding the iconic Lady Luck shipwreck. Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Shook was commissioned to design, fabricate, and install the sculpture as part of the City’s ongoing commitment to public art, marine conservation, and tourism enhancement.

This installation marks the third round of sculpture projects for the Underwater Sculpture Garden and the fourth major public art installation placed on Lady Luck.

Media will have three unique opportunities to capture this extraordinary installation process:

• Hoisting Event at Alsdorf Boat Ramp | 2901 NE 14th Street | 1:00 p.m.: Cameras will capture the dramatic moment “Reef Rider” is lifted by crane and loaded onto the vessel before its journey offshore.

• On-the-Water Sinking and Installation | 2901 NE 14th Street: Immediately after it is loaded onto the vessel, media representatives may join the boat excursion as the sculpture is transported and submerged onto Lady Luck approximately 1½ miles off the coast of Pompano Beach.

• Exclusive Underwater Footage: Broadcast-quality b-roll and underwater installation footage will be available after the sinking of the installation process, showcasing “Reef Rider” descending beneath the surface and becoming part of the underwater exhibit. The video will be provided via Google Drive with a provided link.

“Reef Rider” celebrates imagination, marine life, and the wonder of the ocean through the image of a child riding a giant seahorse. Inspired by generations of handcrafted wooden puzzle art, the sculpture transforms that nostalgic design into a life-sized aquatic landmark.

The sculpture also pays tribute to South Florida’s rich marine ecosystem, particularly the seahorses native to local waters.

“Reef Rider represents the love of the sea and the fascination of childhood wonderment,” said artist Andrew Shook. “I hope this sculpture inspires people of all ages to appreciate and protect the ocean and all the creatures that call it home.”

Lady Luck, a 324-foot tanker vessel intentionally sunk on July 23, 2016, serves as the centerpiece of Shipwreck Park Pompano, one of Florida’s most unique underwater cultural attractions. Located just 1½ miles offshore, the vessel is surrounded by 16 additional wrecks teeming with marine life, creating one of the most accessible and exciting dive destinations in the nation.

Shipwreck Park combines artificial reefs, underwater public art, and marine conservation into a globally recognized destination for divers, snorkelers, and eco-tourists. Through rotating exhibits and underwater installations, the nonprofit organization raises awareness about the importance of protecting and preserving natural coral reef systems.

For more information about Shipwreck Park and the Underwater Shipwreck Park, visit: https://shipwreckparkpompano.org/