The current corrosion of the steel structures of the USS Texas BB-35 has led to an influx of water at a greater volume than before. Officials have been left with no option but to close the museum ship for routine repairs.
The duration of the closure usually varies from days to months. The extensive corrosion of the hull has left the ship in a dire state. Officials believe there should be more urgent actions to save the ship or dry berth her or the ship may be lost forever.
This extensive corrosion and advancement in battleship technology are some of the reasons why the battleship will never be re-commissioned.
Pumps Aren’t Enough
According to the Superintendent for San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, there is a system of pumps to push out the water seeping into the ship.
The weakening hull and rise in flood water means more holes emerge that let in more water at a rate faster than the pump can handle.
Last year there was a huge leak measuring six by eight inches. This let in so much water that the ship tilted eight degrees.
Texas Park and Wildlife Department rose to the occasion by hiring divers to find and patch the holes. Additional pumps were also installed to facilitate removal of the water.
When The Ship Museum Will Open Again?
Last year the ship was closed and divers were contracted to find and patch the holes on the hull.
Restoration work also began to salvage the ship from age and deterioration and the crew are not sure when the ship will open again. Japanese tourists, visiting families and retirees who had no idea the ship was closed were left stranded.