They thought it would sink in the dock waiting for the right weather, which in Texas can be a tricky proposition, and probably the stars to align, before Texas’ newest artificial reef, The Texas Clipper, was reefed. However, despite all the fears, it went down where it was supposed to on Sunday evening.
According to Captain Frank Wasson of the M/V Spree it was a pretty awesome sight seeing it go down. Of course Frank and Melanie had an interesting ride as they were hosting the Texas Parks & Wildlife crew who wanted to get close to the wreck as it went down. That is the M/V Spree in the photograph with her engines in full reverse and the the Texas Clipper sank beneath the waves attempting to suck everything around it down with it.
The new artificial reef site sits in about 130 feet of water and the top of the wheel house is in about 65 feet of water. The site is due east out of South Padre Island. The company sinking the vessel guaranteed that it would sit on an even keel but apparently it is listing (to port or starboard – who knows right now) –oops!
I am sure the Dive Clubs and Dive Shops that had booked charters for the sinking back in July (when it was supposed to be reefed) were very happy to finally get their trips to the new ship. Keep looking out for photos of the ship as the sea starts to reclaim the wreck.
Thanks for the Photo Captains Frank & Melanie!
