The press release from the city of Lübeck states that the salvage position cannot be reached with mobile cranes and that the salvage must therefore be carried out on the water using a floating crane. First of all, 16 to 18 millimetre thick precursor wires would have to be flushed under the hull. They would also have to be attached to the upper deck. Before the lifting process, the precursor wires are to be connected with straps and pulled under the hull of the "Fridthjof" with the help of the crane.
The rigging is removed before hoisting
Before the "Fridthjof" can be lifted, the rigging and masts are removed. This procedure will be carried out by divers. Once the straps have been attached, the traditional ship will be lifted until the deck reaches the surface. Drainage pumps will then be installed to lower the weight for the rest of the lifting process.
Transport and demolition of the "Fridthjof"
After the inside of the ship has been emptied using a suction truck, the "Fridthjof" is to be taken by crane ship to an area of the Roddenkoppel opposite the northern peninsula for demolition. A tarpaulin with a bed of sand will be spread on it before arrival. In addition, the gullies and heap inlets will be closed beforehand. After casting off, the ship and its engine, gearbox, tanks and pipe system will be emptied using a vacuum truck. The burning and cutting work will then begin, during which the "Fridthjof" will be laid to rest.
Operation before the "Fridthjof" sank
According to the website of the Lübeck museum harbour, the ship offered guest cruises for up to 35 people and regatta cruises before it sank. It was also used for children and young people as part of an adventure education programme. However, Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR) quotes Nicole Dorel, spokesperson for the city of Lübeck, as saying that the ship was "in great need of refurbishment" before it sank.
