Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night

[ThePHNX]

Peter:
Hope I'm not too late with this reply.
There are several sources for how to minimize the damage to a sunken craft by preparing for her BEFORE raising her (the air adds tremendously to the damage): also lifting too quickly and not allowing the water time to drain can cause structural damage.
One the sites was the FAA with detailed procedures dedicated to aircraft - floatplanes and amphibs, of course - it even had a time schedule for how long immersed the different parts were still recoverable, engines, and even insturments.

Hope this helps, were you insured?
Perhaps this group will provide much evidence an old SeaCraft is NOT any old boat.

My feelings are much with you. HBH