The tide turns, literally. More fotos will follow.
By 6:13 this morning, the first set of barges (BFT 38 ? and RTC 41) had just been loaded.
At 6:37, the second set ( BFT 50 and Putnam ) was drifting into position.
At 6:51, this second set was slipping in ahead of the supports.
For over an hour, the remaining barges remained lost in the haze. Lucy Reinauer arrived around 9 a.m. and began a series of slow laps around the operation.
At 11:13, as Blue Marlin began to swing counterclockwise with the beginning of the floodtide, Bruce McAllister–assisted by Megan and Ellen–matched the swing with barges RTC 501 and RTC 70.
By 11:31, Blue Marlin had swung almost 180 degrees and Bruce eased the two barges into their position on the lift vessel. What’s clear now is how wide this load is when viewed head-on. Elizabeth McAllister stood by.
By 12:43 Amy C McAllister had shoehorned George Morris in. Note the color difference in the V-shaped flood tide waters. Anyone know if the color difference is due more to the difference in temperature or in salinity?
By 12:56 the flood tide had advanced farther into the Bay. Soon, if not already, the de-ballasting would begin. Container ships in the distance are Ecem Kalkavan and Commander.
















5 comments
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June 9, 2011 at 5:30 pm
Tom
WOW! They finally got it all on there! Hope I get a chance to see Blue Marlin all loaded up before she departs..but if not, all the more thanks for posting these shots!
June 9, 2011 at 6:22 pm
sleepboot
Re;
color difference is due more to the difference in temperature or in salinity?
I think it is because of the salinity.
and those tankbarges are they single hull
June 9, 2011 at 9:26 pm
HT
Yes they are all single hull clean oil barges, Its sad to see all of that equipment go. Times are indeed changing, now a lot of men will be looking for new homes.
June 10, 2011 at 10:36 am
Mage Bailey
This has been an exciting trip for all of us. Thanks for the shots. Can you refer me back to the post that tells what why and where of this load for blue Marlin? Fascinating.
June 10, 2011 at 12:56 pm
Goose
Any idea when she’s leaving? I still saw the Marlin in the Harbor around 9:30 AM today. I wonder if she’s departing as I am typing this…