The Offshore plan sends the crew to a sea test site with a helicopter and submersible. Michael transports the sub, Trevor searches underwater and Franklin handles the pursuing Merryweather force. The gold route needs a quick underwater search and a decisive defence on the return flight.
Step-by-step walkthrough
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Carry the sub from Sandy Shores
Meet at Floyd’s apartment and take a four-seat vehicle to Sandy Shores Airfield. Enter the Cargobob as Michael, deploy its hook and hover over the sub until it attaches. Lift vertically before accelerating so the suspended cargo clears the ground.
Fly to the offshore test area. Keep turns smooth with the sub beneath the helicopter and release it over the marked water position, not over a beach or a ship.
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Use Trackify to find the device
Control Trevor inside the sub and open Trackify when prompted. Use its contact to establish the direction of the device, then descend towards the seabed while keeping clear of rocks. Follow the changing distance and bearing rather than treating the app as a street-navigation route.
Salvager requires locating the container within two minutes. Slow down as you close in so you can identify and collect the device instead of overshooting it. Once the objective updates, ascend to the surface with the recovered target.
Michael carries the sub while Trevor handles the underwater recovery. -
Hook the sub again and defend the helicopter
Switch to Michael and align the Cargobob above the surfaced sub. Lower the hook carefully until the load attaches, then climb clear of the sea and begin the return journey.
As Merryweather boats and helicopters pursue, switch to Franklin to fire from the aircraft. Cover both sides as targets move around you. Destroy every marked pursuer for Show No Mercenary rather than simply flying far enough away to end the attack. Clearing them quickly also supports the four-minute pursuit objective.
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Return the sub safely to the airstrip
Once the attack is cleared, continue to Sandy Shores. Descend over the marked area and release the sub close to the ground so it lands safely. Bring the helicopter in under control and let the final discussion play out.
Lester identifies the stolen device as something the crew cannot safely sell. The story requires its return; this heist does not provide the profitable cash split seen in The Jewel Store Job. Completing either approach advances the campaign.
Gold medal checklist
- Salvager: Find the underwater container within 2:00. Follow Trackify and avoid seabed obstacles.
- Time: Complete the mission within 14:30. Skip scenes and make clean cargo pickups.
- Show No Mercenary: Eliminate all pursuing Merryweather enemies during the return flight.
- Weathering the Storm: End the Merryweather pursuit in less than four minutes. Destroy the attackers promptly.
Common questions
Why is there no heist payout?
The device must be returned after Lester’s warning. A missing cash split is the intended outcome, not a failed optional objective.
What usually costs the most time?
Missing the sub with the hook, searching in the wrong direction underwater and leaving pursuers alive all extend the mission. Line up before each pickup and follow Trackify carefully.
What happens next
Continue the Los Santos story. The Hotel Assassination is the required first Lester assassination, and the FIB’s Blitz Play operation has its own equipment preparations.