Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Day three of the effort to save the USS The Sullivans at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park unfolded Saturday as a team of experts was working to keep the ship stabilized while working to pump water and contaminants out of the ship's hull.
Giant pumps continue their round the clock effort and are now working in concert with an environmental strategy to remove contaminants from the ship as well as millions of gallons of water which has forced the ship to 'list' badly to starboard.
Efforts are underway to remove thousands of gallons of diesel and fuel oil from the ship and 2,500 gallons have been removed to tanks as of Saturday afternoon. The diesel and fuel oil dates back to 1977 when the ship first came to Buffalo. An absorbent ribbon has been placed around the vessel to help contain any contaminants the escape the pumping and filtering process.
The ship actually appears to be further in the water than photos from Thursday would reveal, however officials point out the ship is essentially resting on bottom and the recent gusty winds have raised the water level higher on the hull.
U.S. Coast Guard Commander Bill McKinstery tells WBEN, "The boat as it stands now is stable. It's not moving. What you see now is the water rising and lowering."
Divers from Bidco Marine Group are working along the decks of the ship in the process of filtering out contaminants. "As far as the diving aspect of it, that's going to have to wait until we have more clarificaton from the naval architect when they come in and tell us about the stability of the vessel to make sure it's safe to do that."
The ship has been open for tours for decades and contains numerous artifacts onboard dating back to its years in service. "Sadly we think we may have lost some of those, we don't know for sure," said Paul Marzello, CEO of the naval park.
Efforts to save the ship have been centered around Bidco's work to rectify the damage locally where the ship sits in Buffalo, however some other options are also being discussed. "We have had discussions about other options," said Marzello. "Whether it's been drydocking her to another port...we've looked for options of putting floatable cradles. All of those options will be discussed." The immediate concern, says Marzello, is to 'right' the ship.
The severely 'listing' ship has become a focal point for onlookers getting a glimpse of the stunning tilted ship and there has been renewed interest locally and globally to donate funds to help save the ship. Those interested in offering assistance to the USS The Sullivans are able to do so via SaveTheSullivans.org.
"This is going to be expensive," said Mayor Brown. "Failure is not an option. We will save USS The Sullivans."
