Jet Star Removal is Underway [VIDEO]

The symbol of Superstorm Sandy's wrath on New Jersey is on its way out.

Crews this afternoon began the process of removing the Jet Star roller coaster from the ocean in Seaside Heights. The amusement ride landed upright in the water more than six months ago.

Maritime contractor Weeks Marine should complete the task in about 48 hours, working around the clock.

"Once they do the initial removing and everything, they will do more sonar imaging to make sure that the project has been completed," added Toby Wolf with Casino Pier.

Other rides "drowned" during the storm, and they are also being removed from the water with this project. Officials with the pier said there are no worries of oil or paint spills; all hazardous materials were removed from the pier before Sandy.

Pieces Will Be Kept as a Memorial, Tribute to Jersey Shore

Casino Pier has requested that they keep a section of the Jet Star, which they plan to put on display next year as a memorial and tribute to the entire Jersey shore. Wolf said pieces of the coaster will not be made available to the public.

Casino Pier will serve as the only venue for rides on the boardwalk this summer. The owner of Funtown Pier has indicated that operations will not commence until 2014.

Seaside Heights Mayor Bill Akers praised the long-awaited project, saying it's now time to "have a conversation" about other restoration efforts.