The divers cleared fishing line and uncovered a chain running beneath the figure. Its links led to two concrete blocks embedded in the lakebed. On the monitor, dark fabric moved as they worked, exposing a smooth surface below. The first diver pressed it, then looked into the camera and shook his head in confusion.
Reyes asked what was wrong. His reply crackled through the speaker. “The outer material does not feel right. It does not move normally. I cannot confirm anything until we lift it.” He also found a metal cylinder fastened near the chain. Reyes ordered the team to recover the figure, blocks, and cylinder together as evidence.
Inflatable lifting bags were attached beneath the load. As they filled, the chain rose slowly from the mud. Jenna turned toward Mark. “Maybe we should not watch.” Mark nodded, but neither could look away. The recovery crew guided it toward the platform behind a raised screen. Water poured from the covering as the hoist began lifting.