November 12, 2006

Navy to spend up to $3 mln to pull Intrepid from mud

The U.S. Navy will spend as much as $3 million in the next three weeks to dig a 35-foot underwater trench along the USS Intrepid to allow for dredging that could free the retired aircraft carrier from the Hudson River mud, the New York Times reports.

After an October dredging project, a team of tugboats tried to pull the ship free during the highest tide of the year, but only managed to pull it 15 feet before its four propellers were wedged deeper into the mud. A couple hours after the tugs gave up, Bill White, the president of Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, said the next ideal high-tide would come December 8, however no date has been announced for the next attempt.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had to OK the dredging, which is normally prohibited after November 1 for environmental reasons. When the Intrepid is finally pulled free, it will head to Bayonne, N.J. for two years of repairs. At the same time, its Manhattan home for the past 25 years, Pier 86, will be replaced.

Earlier: Intrepid stuck in mud, Dec. 8 next possible attempt
Tugboats in place to tow Intrepid out of the mud
Intrepid hopes to escape mud and sail away Nov. 6
USS Intrepid stuck in mud, departure delay possible
Homeland Security's stake in Intrepid makeover

November 12, 2006 04:24 PM in History, Midtown, Museums, Sightsology

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