Topic starter
02/03/2010 3:47 pm
It is reported that the owner of the BECKY is seeking federal stimulus money to try to SAVE the boat!
Access the news bulletin at Owner Hopes To Save Sinking Showboat Before Salvage Starts - Entertainment News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh
02/03/2010 4:10 pm
How does this fit with his earlier statements that the boat is a total loss?
02/03/2010 7:36 pm
Interesting news, but by the looks of her cabin, her hull is likely to be badly buckled on the river bottom. The newpapers have been stating that the snow buckled the cabins, but I think that was based on what little they can see of her, now that she sits on the bottom. Usually the shape of the cabin is an indication of what has happened to the shape of the hull.
In some cases wooden hulls could bend enough (without breaking) that they could be saved, but I would be surprised if the Becky's steel hull can be saved now. I really wish it were possible!
In fact, in a previous statement by the owner, he states part of the hull had slid away underwater at a 45 degree angle to the rest of the boat, and it was a "total loss". Not sure that divers have been there yet to determine what they've got.
03/03/2010 8:48 pm
Not getting my hopes up
While this looks like good news, I doubt very seriously that restoration is Levin's true motive. More likely, he is looking to get some gov. money that will assist with the raising and then he will determine as he already has said many times that she is un saveable. That way he can just pocket his insurance money and let Uncle Sam pay the ticket for getting her out of the river. Sad but more than likely the scenario we will see.