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For Immediate Release
August 2002

Cliftons Wreck Sunk

This marks the 4th wreck sunk in 18 months!

Nassau, Bahamas -- Clifton's Wreck was a victim of hurricane Floyd in 1999. During the storm it broke free from the dock and was blown up onto the beach. After the storm, the Port Authority towed it off the beach and back to a dock. However, the vessel was damaged quite heavily and was continuously taking on water. Time passed while the owners pursued insurance for repairs. Ultimately, after 14 months, the Port Authority was informed by the owners that the ship was unrepairable and would be abandoned.

At this point the Port Authority contacted Stuart Cove. The two have an outstanding relationship and a gentlemans agreement that if the Port Authority obtains title and rights to a vessel that Stuart Cove's will fund the cleanup and provide the labor for the vessel to be sunk as an artificial reef for divers.

When the call came in, Stuart and his crew had to act quickly. The vessel was taking on water and everyone was nervous that it would sink at the dock.  Stuart and his team came in and shored up the vessel long enough that it could be prepped and cleaned for sinking. When that work was finished, the Port Authority donated the tug boats to bring the ship around to the dive site Stuart had selected.


Clifton's Wreck On It's Way Down

Less than 2 miles from the mouth of Stuart Cove's facility, between "Pumpkin Patch" and the "Bahama Mama", a perfect ledge at 130 feet was located on "Heineken Wall".The challenge on this wreck was to position it perfectly, as the target location was a narrow ledge.

She went down perfectly! The vessel itself has a large keel which Stuart knew ahead of time would cause it to roll to one side or the other. What he didn't know was which way. As she hit - she rolled downhill. In hind site it was the perfect direction, as the two masts dug into the bottom and are acting as anchors preventing the ship from sliding over the wall where it's next resting point would be 6,000 feet below.

According to Stuart, "This is going to be a great wreck! Our Wall Flyers will love cruising the wall and coming across the anchor line that will lead them down to 130 so they can quickly buzz through the tunnels created by the hull resting on the bottom."

He also pointed out that this new site enhances the experience for divers taking the Wreck Specialty Course in the Fins & Masts Package and divers who take the Deep Diver Specialty will have something to visit on their deep dive.

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Last Updated: Thursday, September 09, 2004
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