Texas Clipper

The Texas Clipper was initially used by the US military in World War II as a troop transport vessel USS Queens. During the 1950s, the ship was converted to a commercial ocean liner carrying passengers, principally across the Atlantic, but also with trips to Pacific.[4]^:8:30 The ship subsequently became a training vessel for maritime cadets.[5][4]

Texas Clipper was launched in September 1944, and used in the latter stages of World War II as an attack transport vessel named USS Queens.[1]

In 1948, Queens was converted into the trans-atlantic ocean-liner SS Excambion,[1] a member of the quartet of ships referred to as "4 Aces" operated by American Export Lines. Excambion carried passengers and cargo on a regular sailing route from New York to various Mediterranean ports.

SS Excambion was the site of a major scandal in 1957 in Marseille when the ship was found to be carrying 20 kg of heroin for the French Connection.[6]

Before the demolition process began in the 2000s to prepare the ship for sinking as an artificial reef, a large 11-panel mural by Saul Steinberg was discovered inside the ship. Created for the ship's conversion from attack transport USS Queens to cargo liner Excambion, it was serendipitously discovered beneath wallpaper above the bar in the ship's aft lounge.[5] Saul Steinberg, a cartoonist and illustrator, well known for his many "New Yorker" magazine cover drawings, created the large murals for Texas Clipper and the other "4 Aces" ships.[7] Texas Clipper was the subject of a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department video that provided an account of the mural's discovery prior to sinking the ship as an artificial reef off Brownsville, Texas. When asked to estimate the value of unusually large (22 ft.) mural, — according to Dale Shively, Artificial Reef Coordinator for Texas Parks and Wildlife — the Steinberg Foundation responded, "not millions of dollars, but it's probably at least six figures".[8] The mural was removed for restoration and preservation.

While being prepared from November 2006 to early November 2007 [9] to become an artificial reef, Texas Clipper was docked at the Port of Brownsville for cleaning of hazardous materials, and modifications for marine life and diver safety.[10] The conversion, cleanup and sinking cost over 4 million dollars. The Texas Clipper was sunk on November 17, 2007, approximately 17 nautical miles (31 km) northeast of South Padre Island, TX. It was placed in 132 feet (40 m) of water. The top of the ship has reached depths as shallow as 50 feet (15 m).

The TPWD used careful consideration 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 being secured to the deck of the ship to add interest for divers and increase complexity for wildlife.

At 473 feet (144 m) in length, Texas Clipper was one of the largest vessels (in 2006) serving as an artificial reef off Texas. The SS V. A. Fogg, which sank during a mishap off Freeport, Texas, was 570 feet (174 m) in length. Twelve other World War II era ships are also part of the TPWD Artificial Reef Program.

Unfortunately, when it hit the ocean floor the vessel tipped onto its side, blocking access to its 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 cost the state about US$4 million .[1]

The Texas Clipper (midship) rests at Lat. 26* 11' 24.695"N Lon. 96* 51' 40.238"W.[11]

• Texas Clipper project page, Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife
• FOXNews Article on sinking, Old Texas A&M Ship Becomes Artificial Reef
• USTS Texas Clipper Diving Info, History and Photos

• SS Stevens, the former SS Exochorda and sister ship to Texas Clipper