Please note that the last paragraph of the news story begs the questions –

What been accomplished in a little under two years (since the 2006 article) to reverse the volunteer situation?

What about the dismal outlook of the vessel’s hull as stated by its project manager?

What is the future vision of the stalwarts of BALTIMORE? Is it in written form and can it be posted oto this board?

Is there a correlation between the questions above as reflected in the frequency and substantive content produced by her owner and volunteers here on the tug’s discussion forum? Does the owner's web content say anything about their relation ship to the tug and its all-volunteer crew?

More importantly, what is the official position and vision being conveyed by the vessel’s legal guardians with regards to this 1993 National Historic Landmark and city’s tricentennial flagship?

And now the article...
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TUGBOAT WELCOMES VISITORS AS IT AWAITS HELP, REPAIRS [FINAL Edition] The Baltimore Sun By Arin Gencer on page 2-C of Oct 15, 2006

The Baltimore needs more than a face-lift to sail again. Holes in the boat's iron hull - a unique feature for the time it was built - have kept it in the dock, unable to venture into the harbor. A new hull would cost at least $2 million, said Steve Heaver, project director for the tug's operation and maintenance, and chief engineer.
Built in 1906, the tug, wired for electric lighting, belonged to the Harbor Board and was used for inspections and for carrying officials and dignitaries around, Heaver said. It helped woo business into the city, carrying businessmen to potential building sites, along with planners and engineers. It conducted school tours to Fort McHenry. The Baltimore also broke ice and tended buoys, Heaver said.

Heaver and a group of volunteers began restoring the boat in 1982. For a decade, their crew gave free rides in the harbor and to Fort Carroll. Then, in 2000, time caught up with the Baltimore: Its Her hull was declared too weak for sailing [steaming]. Its Her band of volunteers, once a robust set of engineers and former seamen, has since dwindled to about five regulars on [1st and 3rd] Saturdays, Heaver said.