Partially submerged off the coast of Seaside Heights, New Jersey is the Star Jet coaster which once belonged to Casino Pier. Last month, Hurricane Sandy swept the coaster off the pier and into the Atlantic Ocean where it has become an iconic representation of the super storm’s power. Surprising, however, is a possible plan to leave the coaster right where it is.
According to NBC New York, Seaside Height’s mayor Bill Akers is analyzing the coaster’s condition to see if it is stable enough to remain a permanent fixture of the Seaside Heights coastline. He believes that the half-sunken coaster could make for a great tourist attraction. He is now working with the Coast Guard to decide whether leaving the coaster in the water is a safe and viable option.
“Hurricane Sandy — Jersey Shore” by b0jangles is licensed under CC BY 2.0
The photo above shows the partially submerged Star Jet coaster off the coast of Seaside Heights, New Jersey. The Star Jet coaster opened in 2002 and is a product of E&F Miler Industries.
The above satellite image highlights Star Jet’s location on the pier, which was likely a contributing factor in its demise.
A new boardwalk that is already under construction will reportedly be ready for guests by Memorial Day weekend of 2013. A relief website specifically for helping New Jersey residents recover from Hurricane Sandy can be found here.
I think leaving the coaster in the ocean would be a powerful memorial to the damage and caused by Sandy. What are your thoughts on the future of this coaster? Would you travel to see it in? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
I can see it in headlines. Iconic memorial for Hurricane Sandy cuts feet of swimmers and surfers at the Jersey Shore as pieces from the coaster are breaking off. IT IS THE DUMBEST IDEA EVER!