February 8, 1970

Mr. Kerr and his associates at Atlantic Salvage planned for what would be done in the event that the stern floated at an angle which could permit it to be towed. They then discussed taking it 400 miles to sea where it would be sunk off the Continental Shelf. Those who visited the wreck that morning could see that the king posts had taken up a converging position and the ship was in immediate danger of breaking up. They determined it was too dangerous to place men in the engine room to commence pumping.

With plans to pull the wreck apart confirmed, controversy erupted. Mr. Kerr wanted to be on board to give directions to his tugs, but the ship Architect, Marinos Costeletos, felt that some of the owner's representatives should be aboard as well. His reasoning was that the ship might float off if it broke and he did not want a piece of the ship floating at sea without a representative on board, especially since the after section still constituted a severe pollution hazard. James Hornsby of Imperial Oil asked the men not to proceed but Mr. Kerr and Mr. Costeletos went on board anyway.

Later that day, the "Arrow" broke completely in half, causing further oil to be spilled into Chedabucto Bay. The appearance of more oil immediately became apparent to scientific personnel who were tracking damage done to marine life and the extent to coastline contamination. They were keenly observing the water supply of the Canso and Petit de Grat fish plants and taking note of any damage to the local fishery.

Harvey Clare met with various officials and informed them he was the Imperial Oil representative now assigned to coordinate their operations out of Port Hawkesbury. He had already made himself familiar with those engaged in the operation and suggested they prepare an organizational chart to assist the on-scene commander, Mr. Hornsby. Mr. Clare then assembled space for the operation's headquarters at a Port Hawkesbury motel.

Before Atlantic Salvage representatives left the "Arrow", they decided that the stern section could be floated with the acquisition of 600 tons of buoyancy. To do this, they would have to remove the oil from the No. 7 centre tanks and then redistribute the oil in other tanks so that air could be introduced to provide this buoyancy. That night at 8 p.m., they explained their plan to government and Imperial Oil officials as well as the scientists. Some disagreed with the proposal, pointing to the materials and supplies required for the operation; others discussed the containment of additional oil spilled; others reviewed the disposal of the stern section if it indeed floated. The Atlantic Salvage representatives came away with the distinct impression that the request had been refused.

This was a huge misunderstanding. The Atlantic Salvage people thought the plan had been refused. Mr. Hornsby and the Imperial Oil people thought that the plan had been approved but was to proceed despite some reservations. As the plan stalled, the "Arrow's" front and back sections drifted further apart and oil continued to flow into the Bay.