SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas (4 Dec 2007) — A World War II ship purposely sunk in the Gulf of Mexico to create an artificial reef has tipped onto its side, blocking access to the interior for fish and divers. The Texas Clipper was sunk Nov. 17, after rough waters delayed the event for several days. The sinking capped years of problems, including an unplanned sinking near Beaumont and a $600,000 cleanup of hazardous chemicals. State officials were hoping the Clipper would become a destination for divers and boost local tourism by an estimated $30 million per year. It was meant to stand upright so divers and fish could explore the 80-foot high, 473-foot long ship by swimming through decks and cabins. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department spokesman Aaron Reed said it was unclear what caused the ship to tip. He said the state might ask the company that prepared the ship for its sinking to right it. The sinking of the ship has already cost the state about $4 million. Tim O'Leary, owner of a dive shop on the coast, had expected the wreck to keep his business busy into December. But the ship is on its side now, more suited for skilled cave divers than for novices, O'Leary said. The ship was decommissioned in the mid 1990s after almost 30 years as a classroom at sea for about 200 Texas A&M-Galveston students each summer. | | Authorities in Texas are trying to figure out how to get the Texas Clipper upright after yet another botched 'Ships 2 Reefs' sinking. It was previously the SS Excambion, carrying cargo and passengers between New York City and the Mediterranean from after World War II until 1958. Before that, it was the USS Queens and was among the Navy troop transport ships at the battle of Iwo Jima. The ship was decommissioned in 1946. SCUBA FORUMDISCUSS THIS TOPIC - Dive in and have your say at Scuba ForumCDNN RELATED NEWSTEXAS - USTS Texas Clipper scuttled as diver attraction |
