February 9, 1970

With the refloating plan eventually green-lighted, Mr. Kerr and Mr. Partridge made a list of materials needed and Mr. O'Connel assembled the equipment at the pulp mill dock. At 6 a.m., Mr. Kerr had the ullage ports filled with suitable nozzles to receive the compressed air in the tanks and ordered new ullage ports. Kerr and Partridge spent the day at the "Arrow" making the stern section water tight, pumping water from the engine room, and rigging life-saving equipment on board.

As Transport Minister, Don Jamieson invoked Section 495 (c) of the Transportation Act to dispose of the wreck at sea, Mr. Hornsby told M.O. Tomkins, a lawyer for the "Arrow" owners that the Transport Department would also determine the destination of the tow. Tomkins considered this a take-over and he demanded a letter from the government absolving his clients of responsibility but Hornsby had no legal standing to enter into an agreement and Tomkins was told to contact someone in Ottawa.

At this time, Dr. Warner felt the scientists should act as advisors and be available to the management committee at all times. Dr. Thomas disagreed, believing they should be in the field collecting information. From then on, Dr. Thomas and other departmental representatives reported to the environment committee by phone and carried on with their fieldwork.

At 8 p.m., the management committee met to make preparations for the floating of the stern. However, the forecast for the next 24-36 hours called for gales and the time frame for towing was under control of the elements. The towing plan itself was ready for implementation.