Bumpy ride on the banana boat
Terrence gears up
Tami mentally prepares herself for the dive
Winner of today’s nickel pool – Gary Byrd
Project Participants and Sponsors
Monitor National Marine Sanctuary
Mariners’ Museum Monitor Center
The Mariners’ Museum
National Undersea Research Center
Maritime Studies Program, East Carolina University
R/V Cape Fear
Coast Guard Stations Hatteras Inlet and Ocracoke
Sartek Industries
Ocean Management Systems
Maxtec, Inc.
Harvey’s Dive Suits
Here we go again…
Wednesday, March 28, 2001 –
With the weather conditions near favorable, the boat outfitted with personal gear aboard, assembled, and analyzed, the Cambrian Foundation divers began yet another year of Monitor operations here off of Hatteras, NC. Divers began arriving to check in at the boat by 7AM , underway by 8AM and at the wreck site by 10AM.
After a bumpy ride out to the sanctuary, and a routing set up, the team was successfully deployed and on the bottom, working in no time. The Cambrian Foundation President, Terrence Tysall, today completed a record speed decent to 240 feet upon the USS Monitor in less than one minute while carrying 27 feet of chain. When asked of his accomplishment, Terrence exclaimed ” I could feel my eardrums touching”.
Despite challenging conditions, the bottom divers completed the majority of “Monitor 2001 Expedition NOAA Phase I Task 1.1” in and of itself completing tasks 1.1.1 thru 1.1.5. Measurements were taken on the Engine Lifting Frame (ELF) assembly, depths were taken at the bottom and top corners of the bridge structure to confirm placement of the structure and a down line was established for use throughout the rest of the diving operation.
Visibility on the bottom was surprising good at 35-40 feet and temperature on the bottom was 65 degrees F…the same temperature as on the surface! ECU Assistant Dive Safety Officer, Gary Byrd won the water temperature nickel pool amongst the dive team accruing $ 0.65. We were all happy to see the Monitor where we last left it.
Today’s Line Up:
- Boat
- Captain- Dan Aspenlighter (UNCW)
- Dive Supervisor/DMT- Doug Kesling (NURC)
- Chamber Operator- Jay Styron (NURC)
- Historian- Jeff Johnston (MNMS)
- Dive Supervisor/DMT- Doug Kesling (NURC)
- Bottom Divers
- Terrence Tysall
- John Barone
- Tamara Ebert
- Tane Casserley ( MNMS)
- John Barone
- Support Divers
- Nat Robb
- Mark Corkery
- Keith Meverden (ECU)
- Mark Corkery
- Sweat Diver
- Gary Byrd (ECU)
- Zodiac Support
- Mike Barnette (NOAA)
- Mike Rodaway (UNCW)
- Mike Rodaway (UNCW)
Send questions or comments to the Trilobite.
Questions and Comments To the Trilobite
Hello Everyone! Just wanted to wish everyone good luck and I hope your first day of diving was successful! How is the water temp? Not to rub it in or anything, but Orlando has just been having the most beautiful of days – in the 80’s and bright and sunny! Despite the bad weather though, I’d still rather be out there with you guys! Have fun and remember to tell my hubby to shave before he comes home!
AllisonThe water was so comfortable that people were extending their deco stops today. I think they just did not want to get back on the boat… Allison this is your loving and Cro-Magnonly hairy husband, since you mentioned it to preserve my masculinity I will now have to come home looking like a Z Z Top roadie!! I love and Miss You!! Terrence
Hi Guys,
Good luck and I hope the weather cooperates with you. Have fun and can’t wait to read the updates.
Take Care,
Eric FineThanks Eric, we will have fun enough for everyone and keep the updates coming.