Phase III – July 21

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Dives on the Monitor

Friday, July 21, 2000 – Today’s participants:

• Team 1 – Kyle Creamer
  
• Team 1 – Terrence Tysall
  
• Team 1 – John Barone
  
• Team 1 – Michael Barnette
  
• Team 2- Shawn Douthat
  
• Team 2 – Tane Casserley (ECU)
  
• Team 2 – Steve Sellers (ECU)
  
• Team 2 – Frank Cantelas (ECU)
  
• Support – Bob Beckner
  
• Support – Tony Bielawski
  
• Standby Diver – Grant Graves
  
• Chase Boat Support – Gary Byrd (ECU)
  
• Diving Supervisor – Doug Kesling (NURC)
  
• DMT – Glenn Taylor (NURC)
  
• Dr. John Broadwater – Project Director and Chief Archeologist
  
• Captain, R/V Cape Fear – Dan Aspenleiter
  
• The Mate – Mike
  

We headed out at our usual 0800 departure time for the Monitor Sanctuary. We first transferred John Broadwater to the Navy barge. Our first task was to assist the Navy with installing a auxiliary line under the front third of the barge. We splashed our two support divers for this task, and they were back on board in 10 minutes. Because of the location of the Navy barge, directly over the Monitor, we decided to free drop and drift into the wreck. To avoid the possibility of seperation, we dove in two seperate evolutions, keeping the teams small.

There was effectively no current and about 30 feet of visibility on the bottom. We utilized our standard NOAA Trimix I, 18/50, with EAN36 and oxygen for decompression. Both teams obtained measurements on the bridge structure that has been placed over the Monitor’s engine area. These data will be used by the Navy to assist them in their efforts.

Two of our members made their first dive on the Monitor today. Congradulations goes to Michael Barnette and John Barone. Remember, If you have questions or comments about the project, just drop us an e-mail . . . we’ll see you tomorrow!