Air Leak May Delay Work on Princess Louise

Salvage workers trying to refloat the sunken restaurant ship Princess Louise in Los Angeles Harbor said Thursday they have discovered an air leak that could force them to delay the operation for up to three days.

Divers will reopen the sealed-off hull and main deck and try to patch a leaking seam with quick-drying plastic, said Willem G. Boelman of TriNav Shipping, one of two Canadian-based companies overseeing the salvage operation.

Salvage workers had been hoping to raise the capsized vessel in its Terminal Island berth and sink it at sea to create an artificial reef this week. However, they discovered early Thursday morning that the hull was not holding enough pressure to keep the vessel afloat. Salvagers say they will try to float the ship upside down partly because it will be easier to tow.