In March, we posted that the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in South Carolina had decided after years of debate to scrap USS Clamagore, a Cold War-era submarine that proved too costly to maintain. This week, the Balao-class submarine was towed away from Patriots Point bound for Norfolk, Va. where it will be recycled.

“It’s a sad day. But, the actual Clamagore lived on for 41 more years than it would have when it was de-commissioned,” said Mike Hastings, Director of Operations Patriots Point Development Authority.

Patriots Point said they had no choice but to recycle the ship. A leak last year led to a lot of problems on the submarine.

“It just comes down to the fact we didn’t have the financial ability to save her; we just didn’t. It’s a 10 million dollar minimum price,” said Hastings to ABCNews4.com.

The 1945-built submarine had been an exhibit at the museum in Charleston, SC since 1981.

Ex-USS Clamagore submarine left from Patriots Point after 40 years