Historic Vessels, Including Maine's 'Victory Chimes,' Face Scrapping After Sinking in Gowanus Basin
Two historic vessels, the 'Victory Chimes' and the 'PILOT,' which mysteriously sank in Brooklyn's polluted Gowanus Basin in July, are now likely to be scrapped. The 'Victory Chimes,' a U.S. National Historic Landmark and the official Windjammer of Maine, was featured on the state's 2003 quarter. The 'PILOT,' a former research vessel for Jacques Cousteau, was on its way to becoming a National Historic Landmark. Both ships, owned by brothers Alex and Miles Pincus who convert boats into floating restaurant bars, had been moved to the Gowanus Canal inlet for repairs. Sources indicate that the cost of refloating and repairing the vessels, potentially millions of dollars, may be deemed too high by the owners, leading to their disposal. The 'Victory Chimes' is reportedly in worse condition, making repair less viable. 
