BUFFALO, N.Y. — Crews have managed to stabilize USS The Sullivans, and work to pull the portions of the ship currently submerged in water will begin next week, Buffalo Naval Park officials said Friday. 

Crews have been working around the clock, continuing to pump out the more than 3 million gallons of water taken on by the USS The Sullivans on Wednesday and Thursday. Officials have been told by experts that the ship has settled and is not in danger of sinking any lower at this time.

"There’s only so much that can be done. For the moment we assessing and waiting. It is a process and we thank everyone for their patience. There is not a quick answer or resolution," Naval Park officials said Friday. "We will not let this fail. We want to stress that. We know it looks dire. It’s devastating to see this, but there’s nothing we won’t do to save this ship."

Officials said the water is being pumped out at 13,000 gallons per minute.

The area near the ship remains blocked off to the public, but on Friday morning, it was noticeable that less water is covering the top deck at the stern of the ship and the full name of the vessel could once again be seen. That means the pumping efforts are having an impact.

Officials at the naval park said they learned of a breach in the ship’s hull late Wednesday night. By Thursday morning it was quickly listing (leaning) further to its starboard (right) side.

Multiple pumps were put in place and have been working continuously.

Repairs to the ship were being done from August through October last year. Crews had to suspend their efforts in October when the water became too cold for the epoxy being applied to the hull to cure. They were getting ready to get back to work on Monday. Work cannot be done properly if the water temperature is below 54 degrees.

Officials say they are not giving up hope.

"I will let you know that this ship will be saved," said Paul Marzello, CEO of the naval park. "Anyone on our board of directors, any staff member, any volunteer, any veteran who's connected with this ship, knows what adversity is all about. They've been here in times of war. This is something that's a blip on the screen to them. We will right this ship, it will not go down."

Officials say dry docking the 79-year-old vessel is not an option because the nearest dry dock is in Erie, Pennsylvania and the ship is too fragile to make the trip.