cfelliot
Contributor
Here's a short movie of the damage on the PA:
http://www.chuckelliot.com/movies/pa_crack.wmv
http://www.chuckelliot.com/movies/pa_crack.wmv
Roatan Damage - Prince Albert
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Really interesting video!
I was there in April of this year, and I noticed that this crack had become quite visible even then!
There was already a well defined crack where you show the deck in the first few seconds of the video. Wow, It's now quite a split!
Amazing that she has only been down for 25 years!
Here's the story of how she got there...... Prince Albert Footage - CoCo Chat
I was there in April of this year, and I noticed that this crack had become quite visible even then!
There was already a well defined crack where you show the deck in the first few seconds of the video. Wow, It's now quite a split!
Amazing that she has only been down for 25 years!
Here's the story of how she got there...... Prince Albert Footage - CoCo Chat
mikemill
Contributor
Anyone have wide shots (and even better before/after)? I was there the week (or was it two) before the earthquake so I'd like to see where the crack is located.
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It is pretty much so amidship. It was most evident in April on the Starboard side (nearest CCV), and from Chuck's video, that deck plate is just at that point.
Mike- you have a great shot of it, pre-earthquake: http://picasaweb.google.com/mikemill/CoCoViewResortMay2009#5337901760071394498
...and that ultra wide image you have of the foc'sle is great! http://picasaweb.google.com/mikemill/CoCoViewResortMay2009#5337762338379692738
Here are some drawings I made of the Prince Albert (pre-crack!) You will find the split where the antenna like T is in the middle, outboard of the tank gunnels on the deck plate itself.
2003:
1985, looking aft along port side at pilothouse companionway:
2007, aft of the pilothouse, starboard side:
Mike- you have a great shot of it, pre-earthquake: http://picasaweb.google.com/mikemill/CoCoViewResortMay2009#5337901760071394498
...and that ultra wide image you have of the foc'sle is great! http://picasaweb.google.com/mikemill/CoCoViewResortMay2009#5337762338379692738
Here are some drawings I made of the Prince Albert (pre-crack!) You will find the split where the antenna like T is in the middle, outboard of the tank gunnels on the deck plate itself.
2003:
1985, looking aft along port side at pilothouse companionway: 2007, aft of the pilothouse, starboard side:
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OP
cfelliot
Contributor
Doc,
Actually the crack seems at least 1 hull plate back towards the wheelhouse! See red mark.
Chuck
Actually the crack seems at least 1 hull plate back towards the wheelhouse! See red mark.
Chuck
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Looks like the grey dots I had (from the first go-round) on the drawing were closer to that correct spot! Like they say, always go with your first impression. What's a few deck plates amongst friends? Thanks for the details, I live for them
In the interest of reader clarity, I'm going to now correct that image with your advice!
This close-up that you post shows some interesting changes, even over just the last few years. The wreck has changed dramatically due to the amount of siltation from Fantasy Island's beach dredging. The grey-ish spooge (now, there's a technical term) has covered the wreck and that yellow plant in the picture seems to like it.
Another easily studied phenomenon that the wreck presents is the differences in growth (Coral as well as Plant life) that occurs due to Sun exposure. This is a very shallow wreck in 35~65fsw, much like the Coral wall structures seen along the South Side. The Wreck presents a microcosm study of how different amounts of Solar radiation influences very specific growth. Next time you stop by, take a look up at the Sun position during the day and think about how it tracks through the sky. This is especially evident along the vertical plates that round-out the stern- they face directly towards the Sun's path. As you study the rest of the wreck, you can see where, even the shadows that the wreck itself casts influences growth in a quite obvious pattern.
I do not understand if this siltation has led to the increase in the number of small Crustaceans I have been seeing, or maybe I'm just getting better at spotting them.
The Prince Albert Wreck has, over the years, had a number of regular residents that many divers enjoy encountering. During the day, you can pretty much-so always find a 6'+ Green Moray sitting atop the wreck (just by that hole pictured under the fish's tail).
At night, a lot of critters come out, but the regulars include two Basket Stars (one on each end of the ship) and two Octopuppies, also on each end of the ship. I usually do not notice Lobsters, but when my Cousin Murf pointed out a monster under the rudder, even I stopped to gawk. Every bit of a 30" antenna.
Through all of the goop, the Orange Ball Corellamorphs still make a nightly, if not furtive, appearance- for the observant divers.
I think she's got a few years left in keeping visiting divers interested!
In the interest of reader clarity, I'm going to now correct that image with your advice!This close-up that you post shows some interesting changes, even over just the last few years. The wreck has changed dramatically due to the amount of siltation from Fantasy Island's beach dredging. The grey-ish spooge (now, there's a technical term) has covered the wreck and that yellow plant in the picture seems to like it.
Another easily studied phenomenon that the wreck presents is the differences in growth (Coral as well as Plant life) that occurs due to Sun exposure. This is a very shallow wreck in 35~65fsw, much like the Coral wall structures seen along the South Side. The Wreck presents a microcosm study of how different amounts of Solar radiation influences very specific growth. Next time you stop by, take a look up at the Sun position during the day and think about how it tracks through the sky. This is especially evident along the vertical plates that round-out the stern- they face directly towards the Sun's path. As you study the rest of the wreck, you can see where, even the shadows that the wreck itself casts influences growth in a quite obvious pattern.
I do not understand if this siltation has led to the increase in the number of small Crustaceans I have been seeing, or maybe I'm just getting better at spotting them.
The Prince Albert Wreck has, over the years, had a number of regular residents that many divers enjoy encountering. During the day, you can pretty much-so always find a 6'+ Green Moray sitting atop the wreck (just by that hole pictured under the fish's tail).
At night, a lot of critters come out, but the regulars include two Basket Stars (one on each end of the ship) and two Octopuppies, also on each end of the ship. I usually do not notice Lobsters, but when my Cousin Murf pointed out a monster under the rudder, even I stopped to gawk. Every bit of a 30" antenna.
Through all of the goop, the Orange Ball Corellamorphs still make a nightly, if not furtive, appearance- for the observant divers.
I think she's got a few years left in keeping visiting divers interested!
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robint
Contributor
I agree... it gives the observant diver many things to study! I look forward to the results by Patty and her team.
here locally in NM, our "pond" is actually a fresh water spring and stays 62 degrees year round with a large water flow from an underground river system. Until a few yrs ago we had virtually no algae. But then the state sent in divers to "clean it up", or destroy it from what we see. They broke off some huge boulders overhanging a side causing more light to get in and hit one wall. Within a year we had algae growth all over that one wall. This past year we have seen algae start to grow on the bottom and also on 2 other walls!
I am very concerned about this and watching it, documenting with photos and video. We have seen a drop in the number of fish and crawfish this past year, not sure if it is related, and I am concerned that this algae is non-native to the fresh water environment - maybe brought in on divers gear from ocean??? 
I wish I had a friend who is a marine biologist who could analyze some samples and see if this algae is a problem.
robin
here locally in NM, our "pond" is actually a fresh water spring and stays 62 degrees year round with a large water flow from an underground river system. Until a few yrs ago we had virtually no algae. But then the state sent in divers to "clean it up", or destroy it from what we see. They broke off some huge boulders overhanging a side causing more light to get in and hit one wall. Within a year we had algae growth all over that one wall. This past year we have seen algae start to grow on the bottom and also on 2 other walls!
I am very concerned about this and watching it, documenting with photos and video. We have seen a drop in the number of fish and crawfish this past year, not sure if it is related, and I am concerned that this algae is non-native to the fresh water environment - maybe brought in on divers gear from ocean??? I wish I had a friend who is a marine biologist who could analyze some samples and see if this algae is a problem. robin
OP
cfelliot
Contributor
Absolutely! We saw this queen every day on the PA mostly on the rear deck, but we found "her" mid-ship too. The picture was taken by my wife with her new SD1200IS. She's like a kid with a new toy, fun to watch and share the further interest!
leadweight
Contributor
Was there some kind of a storm, or is this progressive damage?
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No storm, but an Earthquake on May 28th. Huge Earthquake.
It was one of those things that got the ScubaBoard Henny Pennies and Chicken Lickins all revved up.
It kept the usual SB Doomsayers pretty busy until they got distracted by the "big Coup" on June 28th.
As of yet, the Sky has not fallen, much to their chagrin.
The ship was sunk in 1984, so after what very few serious Hurricane force storms that visited Roatan in the last 25 years, the only effect on this shallow wreck was that it moved a few inches.
Another nearby placed wreck, the much smaller Shrimper, Mister Bud, got moved about 30 feet during a blow about three years back.
It is still sitting in the same 60' deep sandy basin as when it was first installed. The only thing that kept it from sliding over the edge and plummeting to 3000' was the lip of the coral headwall.
The Prince Albert is, by comparison, a monster. It's 140' length and heavy structure has caused the ship to become quite well buried in the bottom.
It was placed 3' North of it's intended spot, but was lined up perfectly in line in terms of intended compass point. Bill Evans knew that putting her in that precise position would best ensure her long term survivability.
Like everything else he put his hand to, it was well thought out and it worked like a charm. You only get one shot.
The nearby DC3 was placed contrary to his consultation and thus you have this effect:
So yes- it was a storm, it is progressive damage, and there will be further decay. No doubt!
Compare this long-term success of shallow wreck placement allowed by the South side wind/wave/current/surge conditions versus the need for placing North side Roatan wrecks in the 95~115fsw depths.
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