Juliett 484 News
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28 April 2007 - Underwater survey of sunken Russian submarine begins.
A collection of photos documenting the view above the water over the submarine and surveys by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), can be found here [Select this link]. Another collection of photos of diving operations conducted on 27 April can be found here [Select this link].
After several days of careful preparation, commercial divers from Newport-based Northeast Diving Services, Inc. began the underwater survey of the Russian submarine Friday.
The purpose of this survey dive was to assess the condition of the hull, determine its position relative to the river bed, and gather data so we can determine the stability of the sub as she currently sits. The sub, which sank at its berth in last week's storm, does not appear to have moved in several days.
The diver also examined the condition of the existing mooring lines and chains, and the mooring attachments on the sub.
Efforts were made on Saturday to launch an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) with a camera to assess the outboard (port) hull, and other areas not safely accessible to a diver. Poor visibility in the river, however, made it difficult to obtain useful images. (Visibility at this site is marginal at best, and it has worsened due to the recent storms).
As soon as visibility improves, Bill Campbell of Warwick-based Ocean Eye will send his ROV out again to perform that mission. This is the same equipment that last October explored the sunken ocean liner Andrea Doria, sending realtime images to the surface.
Another dive is also planned, to attach additional mooring lines for safety -- a requirement before further salvage operations can begin.
These actions are part of the careful assessment being made by marine experts who, in cooperation with the US Coast Guard, are gathering the information needed to raise the sub expeditiously and safely.
Until the assessment is complete, we have no estimate of a timetable for raising the sub.
Frank Lennon
Russian Sub Museum
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Last Updated:
4/20/07