Phase I – April 6

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Blue Water Beckons

Friday, April 6, 2001
Another boat ride out to the sanctuary. Skeptics were saying that we would not be diving for yet another day. But as we came within two miles of the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary we started to see Sargasso grass, the water turned from green to azure blue and the surface temperature jumped from 48 to 70. A pod of dolphins appeared off the starboard bow hopping and jumping along with us. As the temperature rose in that last ten minutes of the ride so did the enthusiasm of the divers to get to work.

Seven divers were splashed in one evolution. The task remained the same from the previous attempt. Tane, Tami, and Keith took plumb-bob measurements from the top of the ERS (Engine Recovery Structure) to points on the wreck to determine the orientation of the structure in relation to the wreck and the distance of the structure’s feet to the turret. Confirmed the width measurement of the ERS, and plumbed the forward corners of the Engine Lifting Frame (ELF) marking those points with reflectors for video enhancement. Terrence and Mark took MNMS’s video camera to the bottom to capture a record of the ERS (spreader and ELF), the grout bags, and get shots to determine what structure stabilization would be necessary behind the turret once the engine is removed.John Barone and Shawn installed a strap to mark the estimated center of gravity of the engine to aid in video shot for the Navy. A step in the right direction…finally another day of progress was made on the Monitor 2001 Expedition NOAA Phase I Task List.

"It was and excellent day, we were able to accomplish several of the major goals. We were able to come back with not only measurements but we now have some excellent video." remarked John Broadwater.

Back at the dock the regiment of unloading tanks and gear from the boat, loading tanks into the truck for filling at the BMF (Coast Guard Boat Maintenance Facility), then loading the truck for transportation back over to the R/V Cape Fear and finally unloading from the truck and reloading the boat. It’s back breaking work, but our team is up for it especially after our football training schedule over the past couple of days.

Productivity at its finest:

Boat

Captain- Dan Aspenlighter (UNCW)

Dive Supervisor- Glenn Taylor (NURC)

Chamber Operator/DMT- Doug Kesling (NURC)

Principle Investigator- John Broadwater (MNMS)

Bottom Divers

Shawn Douthat

Tamara Ebert

John Barone

Mark Corkery (congrats on your 1st Monitor Dive!)

Terrence Tysall

Keith Meverden (ECU)

Tane Casserley ( MNMS)

Support Divers

Pete Goutmann

Conrad Pfeifer

Mike Barnette (NOAA)

Sweat Diver

Chad Roberts

Zodiac Support

Nat Robb

Mike Rodaway (UNCW)

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Send questions or comments to the Trilobite.

Questions and Comments To the Trilobite

Hey Gnat and Tami! How are things at the Cambrian house? You guys are all doing a great job out there and we appreciate your hard work. Playing on the beach can really take it out of you. Hewwo Tewwy! Did you get the fire in the kitchen put out? Mark, are they letting you drive the banana boat yet? Watch out for spinning Bull Sharks!! Seriously, thanks ya’ll and keep up the good work!
Renee

Renee – Tami is holding down the house, I am at Mallard’s Nest, aka computer central. And, yes we did get the fire out! We were happy to get back in the water today (despite the interruption in our football schedule).

Hi Gang,
I just wanted to send in a Hi. I have been following the updates, they’re excellent! Sorry you haven’t gotten more dive time in, but I wish you the best of luck.
Tony Bielawski

Thanks Tony.