CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — After a City of Corpus Christi diver patched the hole in the La Niña ship replica over the weekend, some volunteers took over to make sure it's ready to be moved.
La Nina sank Monday, April 22, at its permanent dock site along the seawall after a section of its hull gave way. Over the weekend the Columbus ship replica was refloated and will be prepared for towing to a shipyard in Aransas Pass for repairs.
Columbus Sailing Association President Kim Mrazek is helping the City of Corpus Christi try to repair and maintain the ship by preparing La Niña for her trip across the bay.
"We have another diver who's going to come in and actually do the preparation work. Also, he's going to get her all sealed, plywood over the hull, everything to protect her," Mrazek said.
Mrazek expects work to take a full week and then the tug will tow La Niña to a boatyard on the north side of the bay.
Negotiations continue with Aransas Pass and five other entities who have expressed a desire to take over repairs and maintenance of the 25-year-old ship replica.
If you are interested in making a donation, contact the Columbus Sailing Association on their Facebook page here.