This is one very stuck piece of equipment. It is now buried so deep in the muck that the operator could barely turn the cab from side to side.

The first attempt to free the excavator was with these two pieces of equipment pulling on a chain. They were not successful. Actually, it didn't even budge. Several hundred thousand dollars are now at risk. Equipment was only supposed to work during low tide, and high tide is fast approaching.

What happens when the Marines get stuck? They call this unit in to pull them out. This is an APC customized with winches and cables to pull even the largest Marine vehicles out of the mud. They were just across the street, and a case of Budweiser convinced them to help us in a timely fashion.

The Marines and the operator are discussing how to free the trapped excavator, which is slowly sinking deeper and deeper into the mud. Notice the three white stakes that mark the end of the boat ramp.