Gulf Shore Getaway

Quite a story brewing over on Dauphin Island today. The wreckage of what is generally believed to be the Robert H. Dixey, a 19th century clipper cargo ship which sank near the mouth of Mobile Bay after striking a sand bar, has been left to decay in the elements beside the road.

According to Glenn Forest, an amateur marine archaeologist, the ship fragment must be kept moist and out of direct sunlight in order to properly preserve the relic. A central issue, however, is just what to do with it. The fragment is 40 feet long and weighs approximately seven tons.

Various plans to store and preserve the relic seem to have been abandoned. Now what's left of the Robert H. Dixey sits exposed and unprotected by the road, like so much rubbish awaiting pick up.

Massive wreckage of wooden vessel draws concern at Dauphin Island

DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. (AP) - The massive remains of a shipwrecked wooden vessel, tossed into beach homes by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, lay beside a road. Its location worries the archaeologist who saved it from being torn apart by a home repair crew.

Glenn Forest, who noted the possible historical value of the wreckage in February, said the wood could decay dramatically if it remains in the sun much longer. It had been dragged to the roadside from under a storm-damaged home. Read more