Posted on Saturday, May 25 @ 06:20:37 EDT by divenews

At South Florida’s largest dive show last weekend, several Florida Keys dive operations decorated their exhibits with Spiegel Grove photos or banners. "You don’t see any Spiegel Grove stuff in my booth," said Spencer Slate, who spearheaded the Spiegel Grove effort for most of its eight-year history.

"The best shipwreck dive in the world is now a hazard to navigation," he said at the Fort Lauderdale show. "We look like idiots. I invested eight years of my life, and they sank our ship upside down. I’m not getting over it, ever." 

Slate, former chairman of the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce, resigned Friday from the business group that sponsored the Spiegel Grove project so he could freely describe his assessment of the sinking operation. In late 2001, other members of a chamber and a marine architect took the lead in preparing the Spiegel Grove for sinking.

"This was not an act of God, it was a predictable but preventable disaster," he wrote in his resignation letter, saying "absolute blatant arrogance and egos" led to mistakes in calculating how fast the 510-foot ship would go down. By the time stern ballast tanks were opened Friday morning, the Spiegel Grove had already taken on tons of water, Slate said.

Small explosive charges were to be detonated to punch holes in the ship’s hull, intended to let the vessel sink upright. The explosives were never placed aboard as water poured into an open well deck and sent the stern to the bottom.The ship rolled over, threatening the wreck’s usefulness as an attraction to visiting sport divers. An attempt to move the Spiegel Grove upright or to its side is being planned.

"At least if it’s on its side, it will be a dive," said Slate, owner of Atlantis Dive Center. "But it will be a tenth of the dive it could have been [upright]." Stephen Frink, an underwater photographer who worked with Slate on the project, said the focus should remain on preventing the ship from remaining upside down forever.

"We will do whatever we can to make the ship right," Frink said. "This will be the best artificial reef in the world, especially so when we get it upright." The ship may have rolled over because of unforeseen damage inside, Frink said. "We don’t know what happened to that vessel structurally. A lot of things changed from the Spiegel Grove in blueprints to the Spiegel Grove of reality. Nobody can predict everything."

Joe Farrell, president of the Resolve Marine Group brought in to right the Spiegel Grove, said the sinking plan appeared sound. "I don’t see anything they did wrong," Farrell said. "My gut feeling is that something tore loose inside the ship."

Sinking ships "want to roll over so you can’t let them linger" at the surface, he said. "They had a tough task."

Farrell said he would have recommended using larger explosive charges to blow holes in the hull, which would sink the vessel more evenly. As a condition of sinking the ship within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, explosive use was to be relatively limited to protect marine life.

Written by: Kevin Wadlow; Keynoter

Photos: [TOP] Capt. Spencer Slate of Atlantis Dive Center inspects the bridge of the Spiegel Grove in Norfolk, Virginia. (Photo/Andy Newman) [BOTTOM] Spencer Slate, a member of the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce Artificial Reef Committee, climbs a Jacob's Ladder to board the Spiegel Grove Thursday, May 16, 2002, in Key Largo, Fla. (AP photo)

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Editor's note: This posting was found on the Yahoo! Discussion Group Floridawrecktech.  We have no way to verify the truty of this posting, but since it is in the public domain, we are including it here for your information.  Special thanks to David Lopez of floridascubadiver.com for letting me know about this.

Message 604 of 615

From:  Tom & Dee Scott 
Date:  Thu May 23, 2002  8:56 pm
Subject:  Spiegel Grove- The full story...... 

OK folks, I've been authorized to release this. It should hit the news tomorrow morning, media got it when I did, you get it now. You also get it all as they won't print the full statement, just their take on it.

Read it for yourselves, decide for yourselves. What follows is the final report of the man who was hired as "Sinking Supervisor" for this event. This report was NOT edited. All questions as to what went wrong should be answered here.

Formatting might get a bit hosed as it was copy/pasted from a Word document. Should be readable, if not, contact me for another copy.

Tom Scott

---------begin---------

SPIEGEL GROVE AFTER ACTION REPORT
20 May 2002
Prepared for: Spencer Slate
By: Ken Normand

I have been representing myself and continue to do so at this time. The following report was completed after I returned from Key Largo, Florida. The tragic roll over of the Spiegel Grove was indeed heartbreaking but most importantly no one was hurt or killed in the process. This report will list the following:

(1) The original sinking planned agreed upon in Virginia Beach, Virginia on April 23, 2002
(2) Approximate time lines associated with concrete events which occurred during the operation
(3) A brief synopsis of why this operation went wrong

The facts presented here are from my notes and explain in some detail the most important events that I was involved with and voice concern over. The report is written to the best of my recollection and knowledge of the facts.

1. On April 23, 2002 the following personnel were present at a Spiegel Grove meeting held at Bay Bridge in Virginia Beach, Virginia: Rob Blesser, Jon Dodrill, George Garrett, Dave Score, John Halas, Don German, Ken 
Normand, Claude Thompson, Ray Salopek, Dave Purdy, Larry Leonardson, and Spencer Slate. This was only the second meeting that I was able to attend. I was available by phone or email at all other times and was 
contacted multiple times about different items of concern. We discussed many aspects of the Spiegel Grove from cleaning it to sinking it. Each person involved had an opportunity to speak on his part of this sinking operation, what would be required and a chance to answer any questions or concerns. 

I discussed my plan to direct holes to be cut for water entry and air exit. My original sinking plan had contained many things that would be covered in Rob Blesser's over all plan so bits and pieces of my plan were 
extracted to make an over all guide. The actual part of the sinking was to be directed by Slate and myself. All plans were subject to some modification and it was agreed upon that such change could possibly be 
needed. This was accepted by all. The flooding plan that was agreed upon was as follows. I wanted to keep 
the well deck dry and free of water. Cut 8"holes in the wing walls from frame 52 -250 every five to eight feet at the deck level to help facilitate water flow. Cut multiple holes in frame 52 well deck bulk head for water 
surging in at flooding time. Open every tank top through out the ship. Cut holes in the main deck to let air out as water came in from the underside. Cut holes in ballast tanks connecting them together and allowing water to free flow forward. I agreed to ballast down some internal belly tanks to help reduce the need for so much water to come in and sink the vessel. I also stated that I wanted to have holes cut along the outside skin of the ship but would wait until the sinking day to do so to prevent accidental flooding in addition to cut holes from frame 228 aft on the final day to prevent accidental flooding. 

I used a copy of the docking plans to explain all of this and even acquired my own personal copy to study, review and suggest changes if necessary. I said that the ship would look like Swiss Cheese after the cutting of the necessary holes on the outside and inside the well deck. I received thumbs up on this proposed plan. I answered all questions and concerns and had no doubts that we could do this safely and effectively but that preparation would be the key to success.

I inspected the anchor system again and concluded that one of the ships large winches was in the locked position because each machine had a different visual appearance. Each winch was in a different configuration and I concluded that one anchor would not drop. I did not think that the brake alone was holding the anchors in place and that the pelican hooks should be installed for the tow. Don German volunteered to handle the anchor process and also agreed that one winch could possibly be in the locked position. I recommended that the anchors weight be lowered onto the chain stoppers and pelican hooks to verify that the brakes were working and that the winches were not locked. I am unclear of exactly why the system was not tested but the port anchor would not drop when the brake was released and therefore resulted in a delay of the anchoring process.

2. 14 May 2002 Boarded ship by accommodation ladder on starboard side early afternoon. Ken Normand first aboard. Visual inspection revealed ship had good tow. Slight list to starboard. Stern gate was still secured fast with all pins in place. Pins were knocked out with not much effort. The last latch located on the port side was very tight and the steel was cut around it to help lower the gate. Gate slowly lowered half way down then 
slowly creeps into full open position within the hour resting on its holding bracket.

1300 Inspection of spaces below main deck. All hatches and scuttles had to be broken free of welds. All lower compartments were relatively free of water. Aft engine room had 6'' of water in bilge. Rudder room was clear.

1415 Masson Keeter and Ken Normand/ Tug slacks off pull. Tied tow bridle with ½ rope to remove strain. Removed bridle and let tug pop strain line and tow bridle free. Tug secures line back to ship for final movement.

Ken Normand and Spencer Slate/ Starboard anchor chain was let off brake to hang on pelican hook. Anchor dropped approximately 3 feet in the haws pipe. Brake was resecured. Pelican hook was released with a sledge hammer when directed over GPS marked buoy by Masson Keeter. Brake was slowly released and anchor fell with control to the bottom. Brake was applied to slow chain release. Anchor locked in place with approx 300-400' of chain deployed.

1430 Port anchor would not drop due to locked windless motor. The anchor detail became very confusing and unorganized. I left the bow after too many people became involved with the process. I inspected the stern anchors to ensure the shackles were moused and safety wired. 

1500 Some well deck hatches were removed and then replaced for tank inspection. All tanks appeared to be free of debris and or liquids. The after most tank in the well deck had approx 10% water. This was pumped out to a forward belly tank designated by Ray Salopeck. I concurred.

1600 Supplies are delivered to the stern gate(fire hoses, pumps, tools, food, drinks, safety equipment, etc) I was informed that starboard anchor was let off brake and chain ran out to bitter end. Approx 900' of chain is now out on starboard.

1630 Removed emergency tow line from rear port closed chock.

1700 Port stern anchor was routed through the inside well deck chock. This anchor had 300-400' of cable and one shot of chain. This cable was rerouted to the port aft closed chock as planned. The stern anchor was rigged for pull out by John Debruce, Dave Debruce and their crew from Upper Keys Marine Construction to the tug boats bow and drug out the stern gate as planned. Tug was directed to pull anchor to the starboard side with the cable obstructing the stern gate and planned exit and entry point of the operation. (incorrect action)

1730 Starboard stern anchor was disconnected from the starboard aft bit and relocated to the port bit that was already occupied by the port anchor. This smaller anchor had approx 150' of cable and one shot of chain. (incorrect amount of cable) It was noted to the project manager by Spencer Slate and myself that this was not the planned four point moor. This act now put the ship in a three point moor. The water was 10' below the well deck at this time. Command and Control (CC) aware of the incorrect and unplanned mooring procedures. Ship still at slight list to starboard.

1800 Ray Salopek directs torch man to cut hole in aft ballast tank and in rear bulkhead of aftermost 940 ton tank. This was done from inside the rudder room. 

1800-2130 More pumps were brought aboard and the center main tanks were pumped with sea water. One tank was at 95% and the other at 50% when we secured for the night. All operation halted at 2200. Ship has good 
trim and list.

15 May 2002 0800-1900 Diver safety cutting was performed by all welders and cutters.

0830 I noted that well deck water was leaking into the aft ballast tank through the rear most well deck hatch. I replaced that tank top. I informed Dave Debruce, the pump supervisor that this hatch could sink the ship and it should be watched and guarded with extreme caution. He assured me that he would seal it with a rubber gasket. I periodically checked the rudder room for additional leakage from that hatch. The water was 7' from 
the well deck at this time.

0900 Informed Command and Control that 4 personnel would be performing an underwater hull inspection to check for soft patches. Inspection revealed 3 soft patches, slight oyster growth and a clear discharge for the 
main condenser. Divers clear fouled line from tug Portsmith's port screw after hull inspection of Spiegel Grove. CC notified of dive results. 

1100 Large quantities of water are now being pumped inside various tanks directed by Ray Salopek and Claude Thomas.

1300 Claude Thompson, Justin Lowd and myself record draft readings of the ships freeboard from the following positions on the main deck in this order: starboard midship, starboard aft, port midship, port aft, starboard forward and port forward. Thompson lowered the plum tape, Lowd verified it was touching the water and I recorded the actual numbers on paper for Thompson. After review of the numbers, I was comfortable that the ship was not in danger at this time but that the displacement was increasing every hour water was pumped in, and the pressure increasing on the existing leaks raised their flow. I handed the information back to Thompson.

1500 Water is now 5' from well deck. Rear tank hatch is secured with rubber gasket and bolted lid. Salopeck and Thomas direct various wing wall tanks to be flooded. I disagree because this will prevent the cutting of the well deck bulk heads at some spots and prevent water travel and air escape. I discussed this with Command and Control personnel. Multiple tank tops are still in place throughout the ship. Cutting the diver safe entry still has the priority. Water is still being pumped into the wing walls. Fill holes will not able to be cut as planned in the proper tanks. The over flow lines are draining some water over the side. Some ballast tanks are leaking into unknown spaces through out the ship. Addition tanks are directed for flooding at midship. CC is notified.

1600 Dave Debruce informs me every two hours of the condition of the rear hatch. He clearly understands the danger of that hatch failing. I have a torch man cut two 8" holes, two feet above well deck port side at rear 
escape trunk,( Frame 229) to facilitate detonation cord for Friday. 

1700 Rudder room is now taking on water through the rudder post seals into the rudder room. (approx 50 gal per hour each) Tank top is still secure aft of rudder room. The water is draining below deck (where unknown.) Engine rooms are taking on water through the stern tube and out of the shaft seals. (100-200 gal per hour.) CC notified of above. Midship belly tanks are leaking into aft engine spaces and other lower spaces. CC notified. Some leaks are repaired in ballast tanks from inside the engine rooms. Forward engine room takes on water through an open valve from a ballast tank. Valve secure by Justin Lowd. No significant water in forward engine room at this time. Aft engine room continues to slowly fill. CC notified through out my routine inspections of engine rooms and rudder room. Well deck is now ballast 3' above water. Water is washing into the well deck and over the sealed hatch. Dave Debruce reconfirms that it is sealed. I double check it from below and determine that we have a good seal. I again explain how critical and important this hatch is. I told him and his dad that this hatch would sink the ship if water were allowed to free flow inside to the rear 940 ton tank and smaller tanks aft. This tank is now starting to fill from the water that is not staying in other tanks through out the ship. This small amount of water is not impacting the draft aft at this time. Estimate rear tank has 50 tons of water inside. Capacity 940 tons. CC notified of stated conditions.

16 May 2002 0900 Wave conditions are so bad that we cannot board from the stern and must use the ladder again. The tug was surging up and down 5-10'. Very dangerous conditions. I immediately made my rounds once 
aboard and discovered the rudder post water intake had increased to approx 100 gal per hour each and the aft engine room was taking on approx 1" per hour. Shaft seals were leaking at approx 200-300 gal per hour. In 
addition to the shaft seals leaking, the ballast tanks were adding water to the aft engine room. Some of these leaks were not able to be seen or heard. Forward engine room was still in fair condition. Flooding was limited to the shaft seal only. CC was notified. Ray Salpoek confirms we are still in good condition. I feel that the ship is naturally taking on enough water, and we should evaluate and throttle back on pumping the next tanks to be flooded. Salopek disagrees. Pumps are having trouble delivering water to forward large tanks so water will be hopped from midtanks to forward.

1000 I informed Salopek that I would be instructing cutting operations through out the main deck and well deck bulk heads. He disagreed and informed the project manager. The project manager called a meeting of all 
supervisors to discuss a plan to finish up and stay on schedule. I stated that I needed to cut vent and fill holes as my sink plan read. I would also have a list of critical holes to be cut for Friday. I wanted to secure pump operations very soon and start offloading gear at 1200. Salopek and Thomas disagreed and said they intended to partially fill the well deck with 2' of water. 

I immediately voiced my concern and reminded them that I was the sinking supervisor. Rob Blesser defended Salopek and Thompson. I told everyone in the CC that if they flooded the well deck that the ship would sink itself and possibly roll over. Claude Thomas then began to review his version of the plan. I tried to input my concern that he was making a positive block for the water and air by filling the wing wall tanks and I was shut down. I then verbally told everyone that I would not be making any decisions involving the flooding process and would place the demolition charges were directed by Salopek and Thompson. 

Forced Flooding continued through out the day. Many people asked me for direction and I told them to see Salopek and Thompson and that I was no longer in charge of the flooding. I pulled Rob Blesser to the side and had words with him about my disappointment and lack of concern for the approved sinking plan that had been discussed and approved. He could only offer his apology and was not willing to take my concerns as serious. George Garrett broke this meeting up when a helo was inbound. I had no more to say to the CC at this time.

1330 Billy Poe of Explosive Services Inc came aboard. He briefed the CC that when they finished up pumping, cutting and welding he would take over and place the charges. He also stated that I would help determine the demo placement.

1400 Engine room tour with demo guys. Demo placement was decided. We would place Poe's shape charges on main discharge pipes and intake valves. Ray Salopek concurs with the demo plan. Engine rooms are still taking on water.

1430 Blanking plate is removed by Justin Lowd and Spencer Slate on main 36" valve to be blown.

1500 Demo placement is marked with spray paint by Ken Normand and Justin Lowd.

1600 Normand and Lowd continue to make rounds forward and aft. Multiple hatches are still secured on the starboard side. Multiple hatches, scuttles and doors are secured forward. Very few vent holes are cut from 
frame 1 to frame 150 main deck down. Few vents holes are visible forward below main deck. I have torch man cut small openings in well deck bulk heads in engine room escape trunks on both sides to facilitate detonation cord placement on Friday. Frame 110 port side and Frame 154 starboard side. CC notified of holes cut for detonation cord. Pumping continues. I am now finding water in multiple voids below deck that had been dry days before. Ship is sinking by itself.

1800 I depart the ship with other personnel down a rigged gang plank. Water is within a foot of the well deck. Pumping is planned to continue until 2200. Pumping is secured at 1900 as reported to me by Dave Debruce later that night. Dave Debruce informs me that we still have water tight integrity aft. We discuss the importance of the rear tank and hatch again.

17 May 2002 0930-0950 I was meeting with Billy Poe and his crew at Atlantis Dive Center firming up the demolition plans when we got word that the ship was sinking. We immediately left Atlantis Dive shop and headed out. When we got in sight of the ship we could see that the stern was already low in the water. It was reported to us to have taken on 10' of draft aft in 5 minutes.

0950-1015 The bow raised up out of the water and the ship began to roll to starboard. We could see this from 3 miles away. When we finally got on station the ship had come to rest on its stern upside down and the air 
filled bow protruded above water.

1100 Additional holes had been cut in the wing walls at frame 230 at the deck level. This would allow water to enter the large rear tank. We relocated to the tug to formulate a demo plan to vent the bow and was informed by Dave Debruce that Ray Salopek and Claude Thomas had directed him to remove the rear most well deck hatch that was already 1' underwater. He declined several times, explained that it would sink the ship and was ordered to remove it anyway because their calculations said the ship would stay afloat. The end results were exactly as predicted by the original sinking supervisor.

3. In conclusion, I feel that this roll over could have been prevented days before it ever happened. The mishap started from the rush to get the ship to Key Largo without testing the anchor system, acquiring the right lengths of cable for one stern anchor and not following the sinking plan agreed upon at the meeting. The testing of the anchors could have prevented the chains from running out farther than needed. The port brake system was not nearly in as good shape as the starboard. It took three men to turn the brake wheel on the port. This led to the initial confusion and could have resulted in injury experimenting with the anchors out at sea when this could have clearly been done safely in the harbor while in a controlled environment.

The next incorrect procedure was the stern anchor detail. The cable was too short for the small balance fluke beach anchor on the starboard side. The port anchor was first to be rigged and was directed to be placed 
running across to the starboard side. This had the cable at an angle across the well deck. This anchor had one fluke, a shot of chain and the right amount of cable and could have been a very valuable holding point but was instead pulled the wrong way. The starboard anchor was then removed from the starboard side and placed on the port. Its deployment was at the right angle but its insufficient cable made it practically useless. 

The next day the ship had swung to port setting the bigger anchor and making the small one just an unused clump. Slate and I questioned this incorrect procedure with CC and was told that they were trying to compensate for wind and current. Their intentions were good but the bigger anchor should have been moved over to the starboard side and it would have set itself fine with the right angle of pull and also left the well deck open for easer access. This was not an after though, it was suggested on the spot. An anchor on the starboard stern could possibly have prevented the starboard side from rolling inboard causing the vessel to lay upside down. The larger anchor should have been placed starboard and was originally suggested.

The last action in question was the blatant disregard for the agreed upon sinking plan. I made my intentions very clear at the meetings and through out each working day. My recommendations were seldom met. I chose 
to wait until the day before flooding to have the vent holes cuts but was positively shut down. This is why I chose not to have any say so in the flooding and sinking plan as of Thursday May 16,2002. I choose to assist 
the demolition guys with their permission on charge placement. My plan to cut multiple vent holes would have let air out and water in. 

The direct action of removing the hatch that had been deemed so critical all week was actually what made the ship sink on the spot. It flooded the rear end of the ship that was water tight holding up the back of the ship. The ship would have sank by itself probably during the weekend because of the large amount of water that was pumped in and the amount of water that was coming in on its own but proper vent holes would have let the air out. I actually thought for a moment as it was going down that it might just land on the bottom alright but when the bow rose up so high in the air it was evident that there was not enough ballast forward and no vents to let the air out in sufficient time to prevent a roll over and subsequent air entrapment.

I walked the ship everyday all day and used my eyes, ears and senses to help me make some of my decisions. My other tools of success were frequent draft readings aft where the water would be coming in first, water tight 
integrity checks at critical places and constant monitoring of the large amount of water that was being pumped in. This excessive amount of water pumping was not necessary due to the fact that we had permission to use 
explosives to cut water entry holes. I agreed to some ballasting during initial planning but at some point you will reach the straw that breaks the camels back.

I am sorry that this had to happen this way and thank GOD that no one was hurt or killed during this mishap. Equipment can be replaced, a human life would not have been. I explained and emphasized the inherent danger 
involved with this type of operation and made it very clear to all involved. I thought I had everyone's trust and confidence with this matter. It is my belief that this could have been prevented. We had proper planning but had poor cooperation. 

I would like to thank the people of Key Largo Florida and Spencer Slate for believing so highly in me and giving me an opportunity to participate in such a valuable, worthwhile cause. I think that a salvage company will be able to make this situation right and I personally have gained a multitude of operational experience from this mishap but have to say that this is the first one that I have been involved with that has gone turtle on the surface. I express no bias opinion and have stated the facts as I have witnessed them and have drawn my own conclusions.

Good Luck and Blue Skies.

Respectfully,
K. C. NORMAND
----------end------------------ 

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KEY LARGO, Florida Keys -- The U.S. Coast Guard approved a plan Friday, to reorient and fully sink a retired Navy ship off Key Largo, according to the president of the South Florida-based salvage firm contracted by the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce to handle the job. 

The 510-foot Spiegel Grove sank upside-down Friday, May, 17, hours before crews had planned to scuttle it to create an artificial reef. The ship is in about 130 feet of water, its bow projecting above the sea, six miles off Key Largo. 

Although the plan has been approved, work was temporarily suspended late Thursday, as strong winds kicked up seas in excess of seven feet making salvage operations untenable for divers, said Joe Farrell, president of Fort Lauderdale-based Resolve Towing and Salvage. 

The 100-foot-long salvage vessel Lana Rose arrived on scene at the Spiegel Grove Wednesday. Onboard are approximately 35, 10-ton-lift inflatable air bags, three high volume diesel-powered air compressors, underwater cutting and welding equipment and a half-dozen hard-helmet diving rigs. 

Work commenced Thursday morning with initial efforts focused on testing ballast tanks for air injection and hole cutting along the port side of the superstructure to attach air bags. 

But winds and sea increased Thursday afternoon, said Farrell. Farrell said a decision was made to delay dive operations at least through Saturday, when the weather service predicted improving conditions. 

Farrell said while the dive crew was transported to shore, he plans for the Lana Rose and a minimal crew complement to remain on scene to monitor the status of the Spiegel Grove. 

Cost to the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce, whose board of directors approved the contract with Resolve, is estimated to add another $250,000 to the $1 million already expended. 

"We know we have a very valuable resource and the fact that the Spiegel Grove will be the best artificial reef in the world," said Stephen Frink, a project organizer and a board member of the Key Largo Chamber. "We're going to invest what we have to, to make this ship right." Frink added. 

Frink said several local groups, including the Ocean Reef Community Association on North Key Largo, have pledged additional financial support. He said the chamber is also counting on additional revenue from the sale of Spiegel Grove commemorative medallions. 

Because the ship is anchored on the sandy bottom and was stripped of all contaminants, it poses no environmental threat to the ocean or nearby natural coral reefs, according to Lt. Commander Dave Score, Upper Keys region manager for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary 

Wreck diving experts have said the ship is the largest ever intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef. Such reefs attract underwater wildlife and are popular with scuba divers, who already are a $33 million per year industry here.

The Spiegel Grove - named for the Ohio home of President Rutherford B. Hayes - was decommissioned in 1989. It was an almost eight-year project for the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce Artificial Reef Committe to acquire, cleanse and tow the ship to Key Largo. 

Photo:  A diver inspects the upside-down Spiegel Grove. (Photo/Stephen Frink)

http://fla-keys.com/news/903.htm

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BBy Kevin Wadlow Senior Staff Writer 
kwadlow@keynoter.com

The hard-luck saga of the Spiegel Grove just keeps adding chapters.

Efforts to roll the 510-foot-long retired Navy ship upright were pushed back this week when strong winds and high seas prevented salvors from beginning survey and testing work.

"Seas in excess of 7 feet [made] salvage operations untenable for divers," said project spokesman Andy Newman.

Monday, Resolve Marine Group President Joe Farrell predicted extensive inspections would begin Wednesday and last "four or five days" before detailed plans to right the massive vessel could be prepared.

But at press time Friday, it was uncertain when weather would allow work to resume. Forecasts call for winds through the weekend and possibly into Monday.

The Lana Rose, a 100-foot salvage tug, was expected to remain tethered to the overturned Spiegel Grove.

"We are all committed to putting the Spiegel Grove on the bottom, upright," said Stephen Frink, a project coordinator with the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce. "Hang in there with us. Please continue to believe in and support this project."

After eight years of effort and an estimated cost of $1 million, the Navy transport ship was prepared for a May 17 sinking off Key Largo as an artificial reef and dive attraction. However, the vessel took on water much faster than expected, forcing an emergency evacuation of more than three dozen volunteer workers.

And to the horror of onlookers and supporters, the Spiegel Grove rolled completely over. It now rests at an angle, the stern on the bottom 130 feet down, while about 40 feet of the bow protrudes above the surface.

Resolve Marine was hired to finish the sinking, ideally turning the ship upright as planned, or at least laying it on its side. Cost of the effort is estimated at $250,000 or more.

"We’ve done similar jobs with vessels in a lot worse condition," said Farrell.

The relatively good condition of the 46-year-old ship could allow it to be filled with air on the port side, with dozens of 10-ton lift bags also attached to help it move, he said.

Eighteen different compartments must be tested for their ability to hold air. A number of holes cut into the hull to allow flooding must now be sealed to trap air.

The Spiegel Grove hull has been lighted as a hazard to navigation, and boats must remain at least 500 yards away. Officials say there appears to be little chance that the 6,880-ton ship will go anywhere before the rollover attempt is made.

Frink said several local groups, including the Ocean Reef Community Association on North Key Largo, have pledged additional financial support. Loans made by local banks to the chamber of commerce will be repaid through sale of Upper Keys wreck-dive medallions.

"Medallion sales have actually picked up since the accident, and the [county Tourist Development Council] and private sector are supportive," Frink said. "The media exposure is amazing. They know about the Spiegel Grove all over the world by now."

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May 14: History, photos, & Key Largo arrival 
May 17: Breaking news & photos of the sinking
May 18: More stories & sinking sequence photos
May 19: Early plans to right her are forming
May 20: Underwater photos & interactive graphic
May 21: Exclusive eyewitness story
May 22: Crew heads south to begin work
May 23: The Lana Rose is on the scene
May 24: Efforts delayed due to weather
May 25: Project Chairman resigns, then talks
May 26: Spiegel Grove is not the first...
May 27: Salvor reveals righting plans
May 31:  Rolling date set.  Graphics & map
June 1:   Volunteers help salvor
June 2:   Work nearing completion
June 4:  A Friday flip?
June 5:  Use your mouse to right the ship!
June 6:  Sinking moved to Monday
June 7:  Attaching the lift bags
June 8:  Weather changes plans
June 9:  Tugboats arrive for final preparation
June 10: She's on the roll...and goes down
June 11:  Salvors are done...she's on her 
               starboard side...and she is 
               WORLD FAMOUS!