The system, if it worked, would sink the vessel within a minute and a quarter. However, the electrical firing mechanisms were not the most reliable. The two hundred pounds of guncotton from the torpedoes would be placed in the most critical location, and also rigged for electrical firing. Shortly afterwards, when the vessel was completely athwart the channel, the stern anchor would be dropped. The small all-volunteer crew would meet and escape via a catamaran hoisted over the side, and sail back to the U.S. fleet.
Problems beset the plan as it was rushed to be readied in a very short time.
Batteries had to be depended on to fire the torpedoes, and there were initially only enough batteries to fire six of the ten explosives. Preparations ran behind schedule, but, finally, almost everything was in readiness. The next attempt was made on June 3, 1898. Almost immediately, the hard-luck collier began to act up. Only three of the ten torpedoes responded to testing and were able to be fired.