'Ghost Fleet' to lose 2 more ships

Updated: Tuesday, 07 Jul 2009, 8:18 AM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 07 Jul 2009, 8:18 AM EDT

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP) - The James River "Ghost Fleet" is losing two relics.

The U.S. Maritime Administration has announced disposal contracts for two more ships in the reserve fleet, which is located off Fort Eustis in Newport News.

The two headed to Texas for scrap metal are the Gage, a former attack transport ship launched in 1944, and the Ortolon, a submarine rescue ship.

Government officials and environmentalists have been concerned for years about a possible spill from the Ghost Fleet.

Since 2001, the Maritime Administration has sent 78 rusting vessels anchored in the James to salvage yards or converted them to artificial reefs.

The Gage and the Ortolon are set to leave Virginia waters within the next 30 days.

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Information from: The Virginian-Pilot, http://www.pilotonline.com

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'Ghost Fleet' to lose 2 more ships

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