It’s difficult to fathom (no pun intended) that we have the technology to raise the Titanic virtually by revealing images from a wreck more than 12,000 feet beneath the sea. The images of the Titanic are as clear as can be thanks to 3-D scan images, but also because the water is clear and the wreck has so little residue on it. Miraculously, the wreck is in great shape considering its 98 years. Nevertheless, it won’t be long before there is total collapse. It is expected to implode floor by floor.
The dream team of Expedition Titanic is making a great effort to preserve a legacy– one that most of us will be able to enjoy virtually. The three-week long mission will reveal the debris field scanned by side scan sonar. It gives us a map (like the map of a city) of the gigantic ill-fated liner which sank off the coast of Newfoundland.
We will also come to understand the human tragedy of that tragic night in 1912. One example cited by the dream team is that first Officer William Murdoch did not commit suicide; rather, he was washed overboard attempting to launch a lifeboat.
The expedition is filled with challenges: a grueling 36 hour trip from the coast, hurricane weather, technological challenges, etc. But the team led by David Davino seems to be thrilled at every moment. In fact, two scientists who met on an expedition five years ago held a wedding ceremony on board the research vessel.
If only Leonardo and Kate would have had the same good fortune!
For videos, mission, photos (even of a wedding on board), check out Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rmstitanicinc?v=wall
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010,
by admin,
Filed under: Serving Our Seas, Survivor Stories| Expedition Titanic, marine archeology, Newfoundland, North Atlantic shipwrecks, shipwrecks, Titanic|
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How many men, livelyhoods, animals and species, beaches and marshes do we wish to sacrifice? It appears that mankind is prepared to go to any depth to feed its gluttony for oil. We must examine our conscience and ask how much are we willing to sacrifice? If the answer is “less than in the past”, then we must put all our directives toward finding alternatives.
What are we willing to do about this? Write to our governments, use less fuel, invented a new technology? After reading the following article, I believe we’ll all be more willing to answer the question.
By JAD MOUAWAD and BARRY MEIER
Published: August 29, 2010
In a remote reach of the Gulf of Mexico, nearly 200 miles from shore, a floating oil platform thrusts its tentacles deep into the ocean like a giant steel octopus.
Mike Duhon/Royal Dutch Shell, via European Pressphoto Agency
Shell’s Perdido platform in the Gulf of Mexico will eventually pump oil from 35 wells.
The $3 billion rig, called Perdido, can pump oil from dozens of wells nearly two miles under the sea while simultaneously drilling new ones. It is part of a wave of ultra-deep platforms — all far more sophisticated than the rig that was used to drill the ill-fated BP well that blew up in April. These platforms have sprung up far from shore and have pushed the frontiers of technology in the gulf, a region that now accounts for a quarter of the nation’s oil output.
Major offshore accidents are not common. But whether through equipment failure or human error, the risks increase as the rigs get larger and more complicated.
Yet even as regulators investigate the causes of the Deepwater Horizon disaster, the broader dangers posed by the industry’s push into deeper waters have gone largely unscrutinized.
“Our ability to manage risks hasn’t caught up with our ability to explore and produce in deep water,” said Edward C. Chow, a former industry executive who is now a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “The question now is, how are we going to protect against a blowout as well as all of the other associated risks offshore?”
To read the remainder of the article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/30/business/energy-environment/30deep.html?_r=1&th&emc=th
Monday, August 30th, 2010,
by admin,
Filed under: Serving Our Seas| Deepwater Horizon, drilling technology, Gulf of Mexico, Oil drilling, oil wells, Perdido, rigs|
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Two divers, one wearing the “Tritonia” ADS and the other standard diving dress, preparing to explore the wreck of the RMS Lusitania, 1935.
An atmospheric diving suit or ADS is a small one-man articulated submersible of anthropomorphic form which resembles a suit of armour, with elaborate pressure joints to allow articulation while maintaining an internal pressure of one atmosphere. The ADS can be used for very deep dives of up to 2300 feet (700m) for many hours, and eliminates the majority of physiological dangers associated with deep diving; the occupant need not decompress, there is no need for special gas mixtures, and there is no danger of decompression sickness or nitrogen narcosis. Divers do not even need to be skilled swimmers.
The ADS has variously been referred to as a Winnie the Pooh suit (because of its large head), armored diving skirt, articulated diving suit, Iron Duke, Iron Mike, and ‘deep-sea diving robot’. The term ‘atmospheric diving suit’ itself did not come into widespread use until the invention of the JIM suit in the early 1970s.
Atmospheric Diving Suits in current use include the Newt suit/Hardsuit, and the WASP, both of which are self-contained and incorporate propulsion units. The Newtsuit/Hardsuit is constructed from cast aluminum (forged aluminum in version constructed for the US Navy for submarine rescue), while the WASP is of glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) body tube construction. The upper hull is made from cast aluminum. The bottom dome is machined aluminum.
Monday, August 30th, 2010,
by admin,
Filed under: Serving Our Seas| deep sea technology, diving suits, Navy submarine rescue, oil exploration|
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I just received an e-mail from a new friend in Louisiana. Mark is the proud owner of two Andrea Doria lifeboats, which he plans to house in a museum. But first he plans to restore them. Mark has a fascinating job as a deep sea diver and explorer. The Gulf oil spill resulting from BP’s negligence is creating jobs in other sectors. Here is Mark’s email regarding his service on our seas.
Dear Pierette,
I’m still at sea. We thought the oil spill would slow things down, however, it has had the opposite effect. Lots of work. Attached is a photo of the WASP suit good to a depth of 2300′. We just completed work on the Tahiti Spar. Too bad it wasn’t on the Island.
I researched the Tahiti Spar on http://www.offshore-technology.com/projects/tahiti/.
“Tahiti is located in the deepwater US Gulf of Mexico, approximately 190 miles (306km) south of New Orleans. It lies in Green Canyon blocks 596, 597, 640 and 641, in a water depth of approximately 4,200ft (1,280m). The field is operated by Chevron, which owns a 58% working interest, on behalf of Statoil (25%) and Total(17%).
The Phase-I development cost $2.7bn to Chevron. Crude oil production from the field began on 5 May 2009, with an estimated daily production of about 125,000 barrels of crude oil and 70 million ft³of natural gas by the end of 2009.
http://www.offshore-technology.com/projects/tahiti/”
For a picture of the WASP suit, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atmospheric_diving_suit
Monday, August 30th, 2010,
by admin,
Filed under: Serving Our Seas| Atmospheric diving suit, Chevron oil drilling, deep sea technology, Gulf oil spill, oil rigs, Tahiti Spar|
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Would you like to be the hero or heroine of your life story?
During this radio interview, my fellow author Katana Abbott and I discuss the value of gratitude for any situation.
Please click on the Smart Women Talk Radio link below. It may you the way you see your life.
mms://contacttalkradio.soundwaves2000.com/ctr/katanaabbott071310.mp3
Friday, August 27th, 2010,
by admin,
Filed under: Andrea Doria, Survivor Stories| |
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It was July 25, 1956. Elizabeth Hanson, six months pregnant, was returning to the U.S. with her three young children after her husband’s Fulbright professorship in Italy. He had flown ahead to retrieve the family car while they came across the Atlantic on a fine liner, the Andrea Doria. Here is an excerpt from the story as Elizabeth wrote it.
Andy (12), Ardith (7) and I woke up when the Stockholm plowed into the side of their ship, just a few cabins forward from our cabin as we later learned. The sensation was what one might feel sitting in a row boat as it bumped several times against a dock. Andy instinctively slammed shut the porthole cover beside him, as he saw lights flash by. We were instantly aware that our cabin floor was tilting. My mind was sort of blank. I just knew that something very serious was wrong. I went to the row of four metal lockers, in the bottom of which the life jackets were stowed, and I yank them out, one after the other, throwing them on the floor and noting with alarm that they slid across the tilted floor toward the outer wall, as I did so.
Our steward was in the hall, calling “Signore, signori, andate fuori! Signore, signori, andate su!” Essentially, “Ladies and gentlemen, come out of your cabins and go up on deck.” There seemed to be a smoky haze in the hall. (I believe now that it was exhaust from an engine that must have ruptured by the Stockholm). All I wanted to do was to get my kids and myself above deck. It didn’t occur to me to get dressed, although and he had the presence of mind to slip on his shorts. I put Ardith’s life jacket on her over her slip, but I forgot to tie it. I sent her and Andy out in the hall to go above deck. Then, I had to awaken Donnie (10). A sound sleeper, he had slept through it all! I had to urge and urge him to come right away. I got his life jacket on him, but he was conservative and wanted to get dressed.
In retrospect, there would have been plenty of time for him to address. But all I knew then, the ship could sync with us trapped below deck. I urged him, “You have to come now. Your life may depend on it.”
Tuesday, August 24th, 2010,
by admin,
Filed under: Andrea Doria, Serving Our Seas, Survivor Stories| ocean survival, shipwrecks, Stockholm, survival, surviving families|
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I received this exciting news from fellow survivor Klaus Dorneich who lives in Germany:
“Hi, Pierette! We had visitors over the weekend from our Berlin grands and Clara (12) showed me how to find the Song by Udo Lindenberg in 1974 “Alles klar auf der Andrea Doria?” (Everything clear on the Andrea Doria). Apparently, his song and drawings became so popular in Germany that German Mail (Deutsche Post) issued a stamp in his honor in July 2010. One can find the song in the Internet under “YouTube.com, Udo Linderberg, Andrea Doria”. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU8YiEIyPUw”
You will want to see this unique stamp at http://worldstampsnews.blogspot.com/2010/07/germany-andrea-doria.html
Thursday, August 19th, 2010,
by admin,
Filed under: Andrea Doria| Andrea Doria stamp, Deutche Post, YouTube Andrea Doria|
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Scientists will launch an expedition to Titanic next month to assess the “deteriorating” condition of the world’s most famous shipwreck and create a three-dimensional map for the public. The 20-day expedition to the site, which is two-and-a-half miles beneath the North Atlantic, is billed as the most advanced scientific mission to the wreck since its discovery 25 years ago, the ‘Sunday Express’ reported. The team will leave St. John’s, Newfoundland, on August 18 under a partnership between RMS Titanic which has exclusive salvage rights to the wreck and is funding the project and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts. Expedition leader David Gallow said they will explore a three-mile area, still scattered with debris from when the ship sank on April 15 1912, killing 1,522. “For the first time, we’re going to treat it as an archaeological site,” he said.
Dr. Gallow emphasizes that this project is not an exploration but a marine forensic examination to create the first deepwater archaeological site map. It will be done virtually and digitally using robots and sonars to create a model of the titanic ship–the one lost on its maiden voyage and only seen by its unfortunate travelers, designers, and builders. Finally, it will be available to a voracious public who can’t seem to satiate its appetite for the Titanic.
As for the man, who brought Titanic’s fame to the surface, will James Cameron be part of the investigation? My friend Bill Garzke, Cameron’s consultant for the movie Titanic and chairman of marine forensics for SNAME, explained:
“The marine forensics investigation is not being conducted by Jim Cameron but one of our Committee members, P. H. Nargeolet who is leaving today from St. Johns, Newfoundland to map the Titanic wreck site. I have asked him to locate any parts of the main reciprocating engines.”
You’ll receive updates in future blogs.
Wednesday, August 18th, 2010,
by admin,
Filed under: Serving Our Seas, Survivor Stories| Dr. David Gallow, Marine forensics, North Atlantic shipwrecks, RMS Titanic, shipwrecks, Titanic, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution|
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Recently, my friends Giuliano and Karlheinz invited me for breakfast at a brand-new local eatery called The Gathering Place. Giuliano was excited to tell me that I would have something in common with the owner. “He comes from Torino, just like you and your family!” I was amazed and happy since there are not so many piemontesi (people from northern Italy at the foot of the Alps) in my area.
As we were enjoying tea and coffee, Daniele Russo came to our table to welcome us. His tall handsome presence was a plus in the already beautiful Mediterranean ambience of the historic home. After discussing the Italian community and how to target business, Daniele seemed grateful for the suggested connections.
As I handed him my business card, I told him he could contact me if he needed any more information. He read my card and then looked up at me saying, “I see you’re a speaker. Do you speak on the Andrea Doria?” When I explained that I was a survivor, he was intrigued, and added his connection to the Andrea Doria; “My friend Rick Roost from Ann Arbor died diving the Doria,” Daniele explained with sadness in his eyes. I told him that Rick’s name has come up many times during speaking events and shipwreck festivals. To turn the subject into something positive, I added, “I’ve been told that Rick was a fantastic deep-sea diver.” Daniele agreed and explaining that he himself is a diver and would love to have an Andrea Doria event at The Gathering Place.
What wonderful discoveries: a new eatery, its Italian owner, a diver, and someone who offered another curious and endless Andrea Doria connection.
NB The dinner event will take place on September 25 at the Gathering Place, in quaint Northville, Michigan. The menu will be the same as one of the dinners offered on the Andrea Doria.
Tuesday, August 17th, 2010,
by admin,
Filed under: Andrea Doria| Northville Michigan, Richard Roost, shipwreck diving, The Gathering Place|
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1706 people almost died suddenly as our Italian luxury liner, Andrea Doria, was penetrated by the Swedish liner, Stockholm. My grandparents and I were immigrating to America (from Italy) as we experienced the most catastrophic collision in history during peacetime on July 25, 1956. There were 51 fatalities and hundreds of injured passengers as many were crushed, thrown, overwhelmed by fumes, or catapulted onto the Stockholm.
The most traumatic moments are indelible from my mind: the loud crash, praying for a merciful death, being dangled over the dark Atlantic with a rope around my waist, the packed lifeboat ride from hell, climbing a ’skyscraper’ rescue ship on a Jacob’s ladder, and more.
I have learned that on the other side of tragedy, there is always a lifeline–gratitude! The catastrophe gave me the opportunity to be grateful for:
*documenting the human and scientific facts in a book, “Alive on the Andrea Doria! The Greatest Sea Rescue in History. www.pierettesimpson.com
*thanking my grandparents for bringing me to America by dedicating my book to them
*vindicating our captain, crew, and the Italian maritime industry
*becoming a proponent of safety at sea along with the national chairman of marine forensics (James Cameron’s consultant)
My view of life is that we have two choices when faced with survival: sink or swin. I’ve been swimming to safe harbors in spite of several major trials–my husband’s passing at 33, severance from family ties in Italy and the U.S., loneliness, and personal illness. I’m grateful for all of these experiences as they have made me stronger.
I’ve learned to live my life to the brim: writing, speaking, advocating marine safety, etc. (after 37 years of teaching.) As a result, I’ve been honored with many life-achievement awards. I’ve also learned that in order to survive, we must constantly adapt—even if it means re-inventing ourselves.
I believe in the wisdom of Charles Darwin: in order to survive we must be “most responsive to change.”
Tuesday, August 17th, 2010,
by admin,
Filed under: Andrea Doria, Survivor Stories| andrea doria, change, collisions on the Atlantic, gratitude, shipwreck fatalities, shipwrecks, Stockholm, survival|
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