Texas Clipper diving.....

[Scott T]

Being new to this, I have a question. What are the advantages of diving a newly sunken ship, as opposed to waiting months, or even years, for it to accumulate some vegetation and marine animals?

Scott T

 

[Mack Diver]

I had an email from Tim O'Leary this afternoon (3/31/07). The date of the sinking has been moved again by TPWD to 4/28-29/07. The EPA needs to review some documents again.

Thanks Ron. I checked the updates and saw that they were still set for 4/22. However, there was also something in there about mid-May. I know TPWD is hot to trot on this thing. I wish they would stoke a fire under the EPA.

For those interested, Oak Hill Scuba is planning to dive the 1st Monday that diving is allowed on the site.

As for why its desireable to dive a new wreck, there are several reasons I prefer it.
1. Pristine wreck. You get to see the ship the way it went down, as opposed to seeing it with years of decay. To me it adds to the aura(sp?) of the site.
2. You don't have to worry as much about fishing lines, nets, etc. that have been snagged on the wreck
3. Bragging rights of being one of te first to dive a new wreck.

 

[chairmanTARAC]

Mack dive Glad your booked. A new wreck is different than one that has been down for a while You can see the initial reef then notice the many changes in habitat years later. The growth on the navy barge that was sunk several years ago is amazing and that site doesn't have the consistant good viz the Clipper site has. Tpwd should have it down by mid may.

 

[pcornell]

Mack dive Glad your booked. A new wreck is different than one that has been down for a while You can see the initial reef then notice the many changes in habitat years later. The growth on the navy barge that was sunk several years ago is amazing and that site doesn't have the consistant good viz the Clipper site has. Tpwd should have it down by mid may.

Mid May?

Last I heard it was and of April. I guess it will be down when its down.....

 

[chairmanTARAC]

Clean up should be complete by april 22, Then epa paperwork issues will need a few weeks after that. TPWD would like to have it down no later than May 11. Thats the latest. The ship is going to be easily accessed, The stern is hourglassed shape reminisent of the titanic"s The bow is typical with the railing. You will be able to swim the promanade deck. The bridge will be at 50 ft. Vessel will rest at 135. You will be able to enter the cargo holds and swim thru the engine room and up the stack. 4x8 cut out's in the hull. Great opportunity to learn proper wreck diving technique with proper instruction. Hope you check it out .

 

[Scott T]

Thanks for the reply guys. I guess I can understand the draw, especially if you have a chance to dive the wreck every few months to yearly. That way you could see the slow accumulation of growth.

 

[JEScholz]

I hope they don't push back the sinking date too far! I plan to dive it the first week of June while I am visiting family in the area. Please keep the updates coming.

 

[carlislere]

Here is the latest update from American Diving:

Greetings from South Texas and the home of the Texas Clipper!

Texas Clipper Update.
The press event, sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife, was a learning experience for all that attended. This ship is richly dipped in history from WWII through her days as a training vessel for Texas A&M.
We are currently putting together as catalog of photos for you of her rich history.
Link onto www.divesouthpadre.com for current photos and a artistic rendering by Paul Hammerschmidt of Texas Parks and Wildlife as to what she will look like underwater. She will have mooring balls fore and aft with a navigation buoy off of her bow.
The reefing date has been set between May 5 and May 11. The MV Diver I (40 pax) and the MV Double Sunshine (88 pax) will be on site during the reefing should you want to participate in the viewing of the sinking. Reservations at 956-761-2030.
The Clipper Express schedule aboard the Diver I will be running 5 days a week from memorial day through September 15. For rates and departures times, please contact American Diving at 956-761-2030 or email amdiving1@aol.com.

Thanks again to Texas Parks and Wildlife and Jim Morrison for making the dream a legend.

September 16 through 22 is Dive Week on South Padre Island. Deep Discounts at hotels, restaurants, and dive boats on the Island for divers!!!!

Hotel Rates:
The Travel Lodge is offering diver and dive group rates for American Diving customers diving the Texas Clipper. Call Monica or David at the Travel Lodge for diver rates (956-761-4744) and /or see www.southpadretravelodge.com.
If you need further assistance with hotel/motel accommodations please call us.

Locals discount:
Our way of thanking you for supporting local South Texas diving for all these years. If you have a RGV drivers license, we will give you a local divers card allowing you deep discounts on dive trips to the Texas Clipper with space available. Come see us or call 956-761-2030.

Local Dives:
April 28 and 29th.
Pats Wreck and Little Sara two dives each day.
Spearfishing season will be open in Federal Waters.
$165

May 5
The Godfather and the Deep 6 " Double Wreck Special"
Spearfishing allowed!
$165

May 11 through >>>>>>>>>>>>
The Texas Clipper
Be a Part of the Legend
Dive the Texas Clipper
956-761-2030

 

[texdiveguy]

Ron.... thanks much for the update.

 

[carlislere]

I read and heard this morning that the reefing has been delayed to June.