cover drawings, created the large murals for Texas Clipper and the other "4 Aces" ships. Texas Clipper was the subject of a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department video that provided an account of the mural's discovery prior to sinking the ship as an artificial reef off Brownsville, Texas. When asked to estimate the value of unusually large (22 ft.) mural, — according to Dale Shively, Artificial Reef Coordinator for Texas Parks and Wildlife — the Steinberg Foundation responded, "not millions of dollars, but it's probably at least six figures". The mural was removed for restoration and preservation. Artificial reef While being prepared from November 2006 to early November 2007 to become an artificial reef, Texas Clipper was docked at the Port of Brownsville for cleaning of hazardous materials, and modifications for marine life and diver safety. The conversion, cleanup and sinking cost over 4 million dollars. The Texas Clipper was sunk on November 17, 2007, approximately northeast of South Padre Island, TX. It was placed in of water. The top of the ship has reached depths as shallow as . The TPWD used careful consideration during the conversion of the ship into an artificial reef to preserve the ship's appearance. All masts and kingposts that were cut to meet Coast Guard clearance requirements being secured to the deck of the ship to add interest for divers and increase complexity for wildlife. At in length, Texas Clipper was one of the largest vessels (in 2006) serving as an artificial reef off Texas. The SS V. A. Fogg, which sank during a mishap off Freeport, Texas, was in length. Twelve other World War II era ships are also part of the TPWD Artificial Reef Program. Unfortunately, when it hit the ocean floor the vessel tipped onto its side, blocking access to its interior for fish and divers. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department spokesman Aaron Reed said it was unclear what caused the ship to tip. He said the state might ask the company that prepared the ship for its sinking to correct its position. The sinking of the ship cost the state about . The Texas Clipper (midship) rests at Lat. 26° 11' 24.695"N Lon. 96° 51' 40.238"W. See also SS Stevens, the former SS Exochorda and sister ship to Texas Clipper References External links Texas Clipper project page, Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife FOXNews Article on sinking, Old Texas A&M