Texas Clipper

USTS "Texas Clipper" was a former World War II attack transport (USS "Queens") which was converted into a trans-atlantic cruise ship (SS "Excambion") in 1948 and then a merchant marine training ship (TS "Texas Clipper") in 1965. The ship served as a training ship for 30 years as part of the Texas Maritime Academy at Texas A&M University at Galveston. It was given the name "Texas Clipper" because the rounded stern was reminiscent of old clipper ships. In 2006, it was transferred to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Artificial Reef Program to be turned into an artificial reef. This transfer saved the ship from being turned into scrap.

The "Texas Clipper" was prepared to be an artificial reef, docked at the Port of Brownsville for cleaning of hazardous materials and modifications for wildlife and diver safety. The conversion, cleanup and sinking cost over 4 million dollars. The "Texas Clipper" was sunk on November 17, 2007, approximately convert|17|nmi|km|0 Northeast of South Padre Island, TX. It was placed in 132 feet of water. The top of the ship has reached depths as shallow as convert|50|ft|m|0.

Careful consideration was used by TPWD during the conversion of the ship into an artificial reef to preserve the ship's appearance. All masts and kingposts that were cut to meet Coast Guard clearance requirements are being secured to the deck of the ship to add interest for divers and increase complexity for wildlife.

The "Texas Clipper" is one of the largest vessels serving as an artificial reef off Texas. It is convert|473|ft|m|0 long. The "V.A. Fogg", off Freeport, is convert|570|ft|m|0 long. Twelve other WWII era ships are also part of the TPWD Artificial Reef Program.

Unfortunately upon hitting the bottom the vessel has tipped onto its side, blocking access to the interior for fish and divers. 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 correct its position. The sinking of the ship has already cost the state about $4 million. [http://www.caller.com/news/2007/nov/28/sunken-ship-lists-bottom-gulf/]

Before scrapping, a mural by Saul Steinberg that he painted during the cruise ship conversion was discovered beneath wallpaper, and the wall panels were removed for conservation. [http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20071114b]

External links

* [http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/water/habitats/artificial_reef/texas_clipper.phtml Texas Clipper project page] , Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife
* [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,312072,00.html FOXNews Article on sinking] , Old Texas A&M Ship Becomes Artificial Reef