Removing items from the USS Oriskany (interesting dilemma)

[Diver Dennis]

Mr. Sleppy and I have had discussions about the removal of such items from the wreck in an appropriate and professional manner as I am sure any of you would appreciate having the same done with you if you where in a similar situation... caught doing something stupid that you knew that you shouldn't be or where previously briefed against. You see, I am the proud single father of two wonderful children the most recent of which... my daughter Brittany who was divemastering that day... has just gotten Congressional appointment to the US Merchant Marine Academy and this past weekend reported to Kings Point.

Admonishment of anyone in a public open forem is simply inappropriate. Any adult should know this if they have any successful managment training or experience.
Rich Sleppy, while I don't agree with his taking of these things from the wreck, happens to be one of the most responsible divers and instructors that I have had on our boat in a while. Unfortunately, some divers seak sovieniers, some divers seak knowledge, some thrills... I have seen it all aboard my boat, but again, my job is to educate to the best of my abilities and to keep eveyone safe. With regard to our "pirating" the reef. This is the most inappropriate accusation of all regarding me, my daughter or my operation. The true culprits can be seen at any of the local dive shops where not only Oriskany items are proudly displayed but almost everything of any interest from every dive site in Pensacola. The only things I have displayed are pieces of Calypso given to me by Captain Cousteau and Sean-Michel himself. As for harming the wreck for others to enjoy... talk to the cattle boats who take divers out and not only rape and pillage the wreck but write every sort of graphitti you can imagine all over the wreck. It is starting to look like something in Brooklin NY. As for criminal acts on the wreck. Someone even placed the flag of the country I fought to defend on the wreck with their own advertisement written all over it. Last time I checked... it was a Federal offense to deface the Flag of the United States of America or to display it in any inappropriate manner. Others have placed submerged obstructions on the wreck just below the surface calling them "Mooring Balls", which is in direct violation of USCG regulations. Why do you think they sank it in 212 feet of water in the first place. Nothing is supposed to be within 60 feet of the surface...

The above quote from Capt. Thorsen is saying that there has already been a lot of stealing and de-facing of the wreck already. I wonder if there is anyone from Mr. Turpin's agency that could confirm this? From Capt. Thorsen's account, no one is respecting the law here.

Thanks for your research and contacting Mr. Turpin and Mr. Horn NetDoc.

 

[Diver Dennis]

This was sent by Mr Bill Horn:

Ahhh. So the wreck is not looking like "Brooklin, NY". It seems like there is a difference of opinion here. I look forward to further information.

 

[The Chairman]

Thanks for the effort with the follow-up Pete. Did Mr. Turpin indicate when he had his conversations with the various ops? In other words, did Mr. Turpin seem to be of the opinion that all dive boats visiting the Oriskany should be "in the know" in regards to the various regulations in place?

Matt,

He felt that all of the Dive ops should have known. But, per Mr Horn's suggestion that this is not a "Black/White" I think it's only fair that we give people the benefit of the doubt. Just chalk it up to confusion over whether this is a wreck or a reef. The first might very well be subject to the rule of "Finders Keepers" while the second is completely off limits to salvors.

 

[King Kong Matt]

Matt,

He felt that all of the Dive ops should have known. But, per Mr Horn's suggestion that this is not a "Black/White" I think it's only fair that we give people the benefit of the doubt.

Absolutely. I was just interested in the timing as they understood it.

 

[mdmbike to scuba]

Great Job Pete. Keep it up. Just a question Florida has many reef wrecks right? What has the Law been on these wreck. Mark

 

[BarryNL]

As to the question of did I allow it? As stated previously... it is not a matter of allowing someone to do what they are going to do regardless.

As the only part of your post which actually addressed the issue this is a poor cop-out. You have plenty of opportunity to encourage and even enforce responsible diving from your vessel.

When I was diving recently in Mexico I was on a charter boat and the pre-dive briefing including the divemaster telling us that if he saw anyone riding the turtles like DPVs they would be swimming back to shore. No-one rode the turtles.

See, it's not that difficult is it?

Or are you just too interested in the money to risk upsetting even the bad divers?

 

[Kim]

NetDoc posted this quote earlier:

Divers should not remove any items from the ship, and there is no reason for anyone to enter the ship's interior.

I'm curious - it would appear that the owners also don't want anyone penetrating the ship. Should these wishes be respected as well?

 

[The Chairman]

I asked about this very thing Kim. There are no laws about penetrating the Oriskany. However, the state feels that they need to always ask people to not penetrate for legal reasons. They do not want to be blamed for any accident that might occur.

Remember, the main attraction for this reef are the critters it will attract. That is good for fishing as well as diving.

 

[King Kong Matt]

NetDoc posted this quote earlier:



I'm curious - it would appear that the owners also don't want anyone penetrating the ship. Should these wishes be respected as well?

I think the thing that stood out about Mr. Turpin's note is that there are folks in the Navy that would be just as happy (if not happier) to put these kinds of things in 6,000 feet of water, rendering them completely inaccessible to sport divers.

When you look at things from that perspective, the issue stops becoming one of what is legal and what is not. The issue seems to become what do we, as a community, need to do to make sure that we have continued access to these kinds of treasures.

If they are asking people not to enter the ship, I would (personally) honor those wishes. I don't want to contribute to an impression that Mr. Turpin and his agency are unable to control these resources, thus giving the Navy cause to pursue the 6,000 foot alternative.

 

[Kim]

I think the thing that stood out about Mr. Turpin's note is that there are folks in the Navy that would be just as happy (if not happier) to put these kinds of things in 6,000 feet of water, rendering them completely inaccessible to sport divers.

When you look at things from that perspective, the issue stops becoming one of what is legal and what is not. The issue seems to become what do we, as a community, need to do to make sure that we have continued access to these kinds of treasures.

I don't really want to stir anything up unnecessarily, but that's exactly the thought that crossed my mind.