TUFF-E-NUFF Update on Placement

Saturday, the TISIRI team arrive at 10:30AM to find TUFF-E-NUFF moored along the end of the dock at Harborview Marina. Moored behind he was the Dawn Star, the Tug that towed TUFF-E-NUFF from St. Mary’s GA. to it’s present location.

The day started off cool, but in a matter of minutes, we were all pulling off our warmer clothing and down to the T-shirts we went. The day was beautiful, sunny and warm. Sunday should be even better as far a weather goes.

Now, this was the part that tugged at the heart. Friday January 14 friends and family of Kyle boarded TUFF-E-NUFF and written all long the port side and various locations in the tug are the fairwells,  the notes and messages written to Kyle. Please see the pictures from ALL the writings I was able to find, below.

We started right away on finalizing preparations, getting the concrete blocks, being used as anchors secured with cable and line. Each concrete block weighs close to 600-700 lbs. We cut off railing, and I met with many many visitors stopping by due to the advertisement of TUFF-E-NUFF being placed as an artificial reef.

TUFF-E-NUFF will become a memorial reef for a young gentlemen who passed away in a tragic accident. During the course of the day, crowds would appear, sometime just couples, but all were here to see the boat that will become the memorial reef. I spend time with as many of the visitors, telling the history of the tug and listening to the stories from those who knew Kyle. Grandmothers, aunts and family friends were present and all had great things to say about Kyle.

Tonight, Sunday January 16, 2011 at around 4pm the tugboat will be rechristened and will bear a steel sign with its new name, Conrad Reef. The reef project was a wish by the parents and family of Kyle Conrad, 21, a standout soccer player at Jensen Beach High School and Lynn University who lost his life in tragic mishap in early December. The Name of the tug TUFF-E-NUFF will also change names once again. Tomorrow, as the last signs of the boat disappears below the surface, her name will change from TUFF-E-NUFF to the KYLE CONRAD as Martin county take possession of the vessel.

TUFF-E-NUFF/Kyle Conrad is scheduled to depart Harborview, Monday January 17, 2011 between 6am and 7am to her designated location off Florida East coast.

Pictures from Saturday and Sunday January 15-16, 2011 will be posted as soon as I return home. It will include phhotos and small video clips from both Saturday and Sunday’s efforts.

Pictures and video of the placement will follow soon after.

Larry

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