Olympia, WA:At first, nobody noticed that the "glug" sound that regularly comes from the old tugboat's bilge pump had stopped and that the boat's ancient hull was riding a little lower in the water. Finally, on the afternoon of October 28th (1998) --"I think the SAND MAN is sinking!" a local boat owner announced to a friend. While the man ran to the marina office to make a report, the historic boat quickly and quietly went to the bottom. The second man managed to pull the bilge pump's plug at the last second. A Department of Ecology containment boom was quickly placed around the tug. Absorbent material called, "diapers" were spread to soak up any oil. SAND MAN's tanks were practically empty, so the amount of diesel spilled was negligible.

October 29 Dawn at low tide. A small group of volunteers had been mustered to begin the task of raising the boat. Plastic sheeting was stapled over any hole found in the hull, it was hoped the tide would be low enough to make the pump-out chore easier, but as you can see, it wasn't. Another plan calling for air bags placed down below was abandoned when it became clear the ancient deck could be ripped away from the hull. Here, Sand Man Foundation President, Paul Deranleau helps one of the divers. Three divers were to put in long hours on this project.

October 30 Plan B called for a series of empty plastic 50 gallon capacity barrels to be filled with water, positioned by divers, then filled with air. Barrels were tied to cleats, the anchor winch and the main winch on the stern. As soon as the hull was off the mud, it was covered with giant sheets of black plastic vis queen to help keep water out once the pumps were started. Under the hull, four cradles were created with two barrels apiece. These were placed by the divers at equal distances along the bottom, and when filled with air, acted like "elevators." SAND MAN was afloat.

The adventure continues -- Just click on the diver.