For more than 30 years, the Carthaginian had served as a photo opportunity and backdrop for visitors envisioning Lahaina's whaling era in the 1840s and '50s. Sadly, on December 13, 2005 the Carthaginian (by now a closed derelict) was towed out to sea and sunk to create an artificial reef. This will significantly enhance the growth of new marine life in the area and have the added benefit of providing a new location for divers and undersea excursions. This will also help relieve pressure on Hawaii's natural reefs.