ANN MARIE

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ANN MARIE

The cause of what sank the "Ann Marie" in the Saginaw River last week may take months to determine. Two cranes brought the "Ann Marie" back above water level Dec 17 night. Environmental cleanup crews worked throughout the week to clean up the estimated 800 gallons of diesel fuel that leaked from the boat after it sank. The "Ann Marie" was built in 1953 in Pensacola, Fla., by Smith Basin & Drydock. It was stationed at Bay Aggregates, 411 N. Tiernan Road in Bangor Township, and had been used as part of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Saginaw River dredging project. The boat was tied up for the winter when it sank. No one was on the tug when it sank nor did it have any previous reported damage.

ANN MARIE

Crew members on Dec 19 were preparing the salvage of the sunken "Ann Marie" from the Saginaw River. The salvage plan to remove the tug gained approval earlier than expected. With the approval of the plan, crews are prepping to remove the tug this afternoon instead of Dec 20. As of 2:30 p.m., the crew members had stabilized the front of the tugboat and are expected to secure the rear of the boat within the next couple of hours. A Luedtke-owned crane stationed on the dock and a crane owned by Grand Rapids-based Erickson's Crane & Rigging located on the shore will then slowly pull the boat above the water's surface. As the tug emerges from the water, the crew will use water pumps to remove water from the boat.

ANN MARIE

The "Ann Marie" will remain in the frigid water until at least Dec 20 while a salvage plan awaits approval. The plan needs approval from the captain of port in Detroit, the Ninth Coast Guard District in Cleveland and the Marine Center in Washington, D.C. Once the salvage plan meets approval, Luedtke Engineering will use a crane to stabilize the 81-ton boat "Ann Marie", while several small pumps are used to free the boat of water. The process will bring more of the tug above the water’s surface and allow the crew to pull the boat out of the water. Divers will secure straps around areas of the boat to add stability prior to its removal. The cause of the sinking still is unknown and will remain so until the boat is pulled from the water and an inspection can be completed.