Honoring Virgil Price III: A Memorial Reef Project

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Virgil M. Price III, a beloved son, brother, and friend, who tragically disappeared at sea on May 12, 2024, while free-diving near a World War II shipwreck off Florida's Atlantic coast. Virgil's passion for the ocean and dedication to free-diving were central to his life.

In honor of Virgil's memory and his love for the sea, we are initiating a fundraiser to establish a memorial reef. This living tribute will not only commemorate Virgil's life but also contribute to marine conservation, creating a lasting positive impact on the ocean he cherished.

The Underwater Hypoxic Blackout Prevention Foundation, a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, will manage the funds raised. (https://underwaterhypoxicblackout.org) Any contributions exceeding the cost of creating and deploying the memorial reef will be donated to Underwater Hypoxic Blackout Prevention Foundation, a certified 501(c)(3) non profit organization and Palm Beach County’s Reef Program (https://discover.pbc.gov/erm/Pages/Reefs.aspx). The Underwater Hypoxic Blackout Prevention Foundation created their mission to prevent shallow water blackouts through education and awareness.

The reef module is being donated to Palm Beach County’s Reef Program.

Please note that the design, timeline, and location for the artificial reef deployment will be guided by state and federal permits as managed by Palm Beach County and will be determined as the project progresses.

This initiative is coordinated by Kate Cerasaro and Megan Romine. For further details or additional information, please reach out to Megan Romine.

We invite you to join us in honoring Virgil's legacy by contributing to this meaningful project. Your support will help preserve the marine environment that was so dear to him and prevent future tragedies through education and awareness.

Thank you for your generosity and support.

Disclaimers:

As the state and federal environmental resource permit holders, the specific deployment location in the Atlantic Ocean adjacent to Palm Beach County shall be determined by the Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resource Management.

Deployment is anticipated for the summer of 2027 but may be subject to delays due to fundraising, permitting, or weather conditions.

Once deployed, all artificial reef materials become the property of Palm Beach County and may not be altered or amended in any way.

Donations and sponsorship of artificial reef construction materials does not convey to the donor and/or sponsor any right of ownership or liability for fitness. No individual ownership is granted or implied, and no liability is assigned to donors and/or sponsors of donated material. All artificial reef modules and attached donor plaque, once deployed, are managed by Palm Beach County and other regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over that resource. The manufacturer of the artificial reef modules shall assume all responsibility for the materials fitness and compliance with regulatory requirements. The marine contractor shall assume all responsibility for the transport and placement of the artificial reef modules and other marine hazards.

Artificial reef modules shall be installed in the natural environment and are subject to the same dynamic conditions as a natural reef. Any damage or displacement of artificial reef material caused by natural events or human activity is outside the control and responsibility of project organizers, contractors, and County personnel.

Specific deployment location in the Atlantic Ocean adjacent to Palm Beach County shall be determined by Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resource Management.

Deployment schedule is anticipated to be the summer of 2027 but subject to delays caused by fundraising goals, permitting and/or weather.

Unless a structure is no longer compliant with State and Federal permits or Palm Beach County staff determine that it has become a hazard (to wildlife, divers, or navigation), any donated material that may be damaged during deployment shall remain in the ocean as part of the artificial reef structure.