 Using the Phoenix III ROV, contractors, beginning on 20 July 2001, first removed "Ehime Maru" mast and other items on the ship's decks that could interfere with the lifting operation.Assisted by technical experts from Japan, including one from the company that built "Ehime Maru", the "Rockwater II" contract diving support vessel prepared the ship for lifting beginning the first week of August.After some difficulty, "Ehime Maru" was lifted off the ocean floor by "Rockwater II" on 5 October and slowly moved to a location closer to shore.