December 05, 2006

Tugboats in place to pull Intrepid from mud (Act II)

The tugboats are surrounding the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum this morning in hopes of pulling the massive aircraft carrier free from the Hudson River mud.

They have a high-tide window only until 9:30 this morning. You can watch it all via the multiple webcams on the museum's website. You should be able to tell when the pulling starts because the water around the tugs will start swirling and bubbling massively if it's anything like the first attempt.

Bill White, the museum's director, this morning told NY1 that divers could see the USS Intrepid's propellers, which a month ago were accidentally ground deeper into the mud during the tow attempt. On that first try, the ship only moved about 15 feet before the tide was so low they had to give up.

If they succeed, she'll pause near Ground Zero sometime after 10 a.m. to unfurl a big American flag, proceed past the Statue of Liberty after 11 a.m. and head for a repair dock in Bayonne, New Jersey.

While it's gone, Manhattan's Pier 86 will be rebuilt in time for the ship's return in fall 2008.

Earlier: Intrepid may be pulled from the mud Tuesday morning
Intrepid dredging complete, new tug attempt planned
Navy to spend up to $3 mln to pull Intrepid from mud

December 5, 2006 07:49 AM in Downtown, Kids, Midtown, Museums, Sightsology

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