Bankruptcy Trustee Jerry Farinash said Coast Guard officials are set to inspect the Casey barge across from Ross's Landing Park on Thursday.
He said he expects to get approval for a Mobile, Ala., firm to float the long-term eyesore from downtown.
Attorney Farinash said he understands "that we are okay with the Army Corps of Engineers."
He said if approval is given by the Coast Guard, then the Mobile firm will be alerted to send a tug boat here to begin the long journey to its yards.
Attorney Farinash said he does not know where the tug would be coming from.
He said under a court order that he must gain approval for the move by April 30 and it must be carried out by May 15. He said those deadlines should be met.
Attorney Farinash said the barge has been staying afloat since it recently sank due to what he termed as "sabotage." He said someone turned a hose used to drain water into the Tennessee River so that it would flow back into the barge.
Also, he said it was learned that someone had also opened the ballast valves, allowing more water into the barge.
Attorney Farinash said he hired someone to watch over the barge, and he said pumps have been ready in case they are needed.
He said David Eck had been "the self-appointed caretaker," but he said he earlier told him to leave the property.