Texas Clipper Update

[carlislere]

Here is the latest update, from TPWD, in the saga of the Texas Clipper.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/water/habitats/artificial_reef/texas_clipper.phtml

 

[Doubles]

Thanks for the post - interesting article

They are sinking her pretty shallow. Is there any concern for penetration by inexperienced divers?

-s

 

[diverdownAg]

God only knows when they are actually going to sink the thing. My dive club had a trip planned to dive it in the end of September and we have had to change our plans because it doesnt look like it will be done by then.

 

[TwoBitTxn]

Thanks for the post - interesting article

They are sinking her pretty shallow. Is there any concern for penetration by inexperienced divers?

-s

Appearently they have opened up holes to and sealed hatches to make penetration safer, but you can't make it risk free.

I'm sure the concerns are there, but what's the difference between the Clipper and many of the Florida wrecks? Especially those that havn't had mods to make penetration "safer"?

 

[mike_s]

There was an interesting show in the Texas clipper on the Discovery or History Channel about prepping the ship for sinking.

It showed them removing everything that would protrude above the depth approved by the sinking permit. Also showed lots of debris removal from the ship. It was pretty amazing how much garbage was just lying around in that ship.

I can't remember if the show was Mega Movers or Modern Marvels or what, but use your TIVO to search for it. Mine just recorded it and I got lucky.

 

[Doubles]

Appearently they have opened up holes to and sealed hatches to make penetration safer, but you can't make it risk free.

I'm sure the concerns are there, but what's the difference between the Clipper and many of the Florida wrecks? Especially those that havn't had mods to make penetration "safer"?

Well I can't say for sure, but I thought all ships intentionally sunk were cleaned up and efforts taken with penetration safety in mind.

The fact that the Oriskany was placed so much deeper is what prompted my question. Your right, you can't make it risk free and there will always be those ingenious enough to find their way into spaces where they might be a bit over their heads.

Would be nice to dive it shortly after its sunk

-s

 

[carlislere]

My understanding is the ship is going to be sunk in 135 feet of water, 17 miles off the jetties of South Padre. The location is out of the shipping lanes. That will put the top at about 45-50 feet of water and the deck should be about 75-80 feet. They have cut large holes in the side of the ship, removed all windows, ceilings, internal walls. They have left the wood flooring so the toredo worms will start the marine life attraction. The stack was removed, and a crane pulled the engine out, so there is a 5 story skylight from the bottom of the ship to right out where the stack was located.
Should be LOTS of fun.

 

[mike_s]

Well I can't say for sure, but I thought all ships intentionally sunk were cleaned up and efforts taken with penetration safety in mind.

The fact that the Oriskany was placed so much deeper is what prompted my question. Your right, you can't make it risk free and there will always be those ingenious enough to find their way into spaces where they might be a bit over their heads.

The Oriskany wasn't sunk that deep the deter penetration. She was sunk that deep because that's what the permit required. You have to remember that if it sunk on it's side the width of the flight deck is an issue protruding upward.

As for penetration, you can't stop penetration. Therefore make it safer by cutting acess points for safety egress and removing anything such as cabling or debris that might be a hazzard.

Even attemps to seal the lower decks of the Spiegel Grove proved that divers will find a way to gain access. 3 of them died earlier this year doing so. But you're not going to stop that from happening.

 

[carlislere]

There is an TPWD artist's conception of what the wreck will look like at http://www.divesouthpadre.com/. Click on #4 of the Important Links on the left side for some old pics of work being done on the ship.

 

[Nemrod]

If and when they actually sink her the proposed 17 miles from the jetty is well within range of small boats as long as one keeps a weather eye. Unlike the Oriskany which is much to deep for the scuba diver without going into deco the Clipper should be at a perfect depth for good diving. N