We think that, as a result of the weight of seawater on the foredeck from the primary wave, the vessel may have experienced a certain amount of longitudinal flexion first up over the wave and then down with the weight of water, tending to deflect the forward end of the vessel in relation to its midsection. In this process the keel would flex vertically to alternately close and open the garboard seam. In addition, the rabbetted garboard seam is typically difficult to hold caulking since it ends in the back of the rabbet.

The garboard seam next to the keel was found to be largely without caulking on both sides for a length of about 50'. Visual inspection showed a hairline crack in the seam compound further aft on both sides along the same seam. No other seams or planking were observed to show significant loss of caulking or movement between the waterline and the keel on both sides of the vessel, despite multiple inspections. A careful inspection of the keel and keel members will be required in the haul out to determine the extent of any separation or movement, etc.

When temporary rubber patching material was placed along the garboard seam and battened to the hull, the flow of water was reduced to near-pre-incident levels.

The good news is that there is no evidence of shifting of the keel/keelson in relation to the rest of the hull as follows:

* Mainmast and foremast rigging is taut with no noticeable slackening
* No evidence of masts shifting in relation to mast wedges
* No evidence of doors, hatches and other joinery shifting
* No evidence of a change in the alignment of the propeller shaft

We are formulating a plan for the move of the ship back to New Bedford with a tug escort by Tug Jaguar (Ernestina will be under her own power) and auxiliary pumps on deck during the next couple days. The next phase will include a careful look as the ship comes up the ways at DN Kelly Shipyard in Fairhaven, MA.

Captain: Sophie Morse

On the dock at Greenport, dive gear and drying gear from below decks.

Peter Douglass, diver for Douglass Marine (it is a family business)

Lathe strips doubled up and nailed hold rubber sheathing over garboard seam. Here the strips are going over with divers working much of the day.

Erica Sachs, mate of Ernestina, pulling bilge plumbing apart to inspect for any blockages.

The UMASS Boston group just before departure. The program had to be cancelled but several of the group have already contacted Ernestina to find out about volunteering.