Vets May Get 2 Years to Save Clamagore

A veterans group may get up to two years to raise the millions necessary to keep the ailing submarine Clamagore from sinking into Charleston Harbor, according to reports.

In a compromise worked out between Patriots Point officials and the Clamagore Veterans Association, the group must hire a qualified marine engineer to render a survey on the condition of the aging vessel and its threat of possibly sinking and releasing dangerous chemicals into Charleston Harbor, the Post and Courier reports.

If the survey indicates the submarine is not in immediate danger, Patriots Point’s board of directors will consider giving the veterans group two years to raise about $3 million to restore the 67-year-old tourist attraction that’s been part of the naval and maritime museum since 1981. Read the full story.

That group has since starting an online campaign last month.

Check out this cool animation of how the Clamagore could be moved land side. Apparently this option is off the table, according to executive director Mac Burdette. He said marine conservation experts tell him removing the vessel from water would actually speed up its deterioration.