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Leaks allow in nearly 2,000 gallons of water per minute
Battleship Texas closes to public while holes are fixed
Posted Monday, Jun. 25, 2012
BY RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI
The Associated Press
HOUSTON -- The 100-year-old Battleship Texas, the last remaining dreadnaught that fought in World Wars I and II, closed indefinitely Monday as staff try to repair several holes that are allowing in nearly 2,000 gallons of water per minute, the ship's manager said Monday.
The leaks plaguing the ship, which fought as the USS Texas, have highlighted the need for a multimillion-dollar plan to dry dock the vessel, removing it from the salty waters of Buffalo Bayou and the Houston Ship Channel, where it has sat for several decades.
"The ship is not as good as she was. She's leaking, again," Smith said, the frustration clear in his voice. "I think she's getting persnickety in her old age."
The vessel first closed to the public this month when a leak allowed water into areas that still held oil from the ship's time in active duty. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the ship's caretaker, had to hire a company to skim the oil before it could pump out the water and patch the hole.
The museum reopened Saturday, only to close again Monday when staff discovered water flowing in from several areas in the port and starboard sides.
"This is definitely not one leak, and they're clustered in two different areas," Smith said.
On the port back end, the staff found several holes that appear to be the result of rivets popping out, Smith said. There are three holes in one area that are almost perfectly lined up. Not far from that, water is also flowing in from a seam where two plates had been riveted together.
Though these holes are smaller than the starboard ones, they are in deeper water, which allows the water to flow in faster, Smith said. The blister tanks on the starboard side are also letting in water.
"It sometimes feels like you're chasing your own tail," Smith said.
The staff is working nonstop to repair the holes and appeared to have patched up some of the leaks early Monday. Smith hopes the ship will reopen to the public next week, but it's too early to say.
"We're getting tired in general and tired of fighting water," Smith said.
Posted Monday, Jun. 25, 2012
BY RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI
The Associated Press
HOUSTON -- The 100-year-old Battleship Texas, the last remaining dreadnaught that fought in World Wars I and II, closed indefinitely Monday as staff try to repair several holes that are allowing in nearly 2,000 gallons of water per minute, the ship's manager said Monday.
The leaks plaguing the ship, which fought as the USS Texas, have highlighted the need for a multimillion-dollar plan to dry dock the vessel, removing it from the salty waters of Buffalo Bayou and the Houston Ship Channel, where it has sat for several decades.
"The ship is not as good as she was. She's leaking, again," Smith said, the frustration clear in his voice. "I think she's getting persnickety in her old age."
The vessel first closed to the public this month when a leak allowed water into areas that still held oil from the ship's time in active duty. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the ship's caretaker, had to hire a company to skim the oil before it could pump out the water and patch the hole.
The museum reopened Saturday, only to close again Monday when staff discovered water flowing in from several areas in the port and starboard sides.
"This is definitely not one leak, and they're clustered in two different areas," Smith said.
On the port back end, the staff found several holes that appear to be the result of rivets popping out, Smith said. There are three holes in one area that are almost perfectly lined up. Not far from that, water is also flowing in from a seam where two plates had been riveted together.
Though these holes are smaller than the starboard ones, they are in deeper water, which allows the water to flow in faster, Smith said. The blister tanks on the starboard side are also letting in water.
"It sometimes feels like you're chasing your own tail," Smith said.
The staff is working nonstop to repair the holes and appeared to have patched up some of the leaks early Monday. Smith hopes the ship will reopen to the public next week, but it's too early to say.
"We're getting tired in general and tired of fighting water," Smith said.
ACK!
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