Shipwrecks - Time Capsules of Human Civilization

Belinda Sawyer's LIVE Report from Operation Bismarck, June 8th 2005

The 122 metre Akademik Keldysh, largest research vessel in the world and mothership to the two extreme depth manned-submersibles, MIR 1 and MIR 2 is currently on station in the north Atlantic Ocean. She is stationed some 320 miles south of Ireland above the wreck of the WWII German Battleship 'Bismarck' which lies 15,500 feet (4670metres) below.

The Keldysh and her resident submersibles departed from Kiel, northern Germany on the 31st May and commenced diving operations on the 6th June. The two 3-man submersibles, both capable of reaching depths of 6 kilometers, reached the decks of the Bismarck shortly after noon today(7th June 2005). In Mir 1, Bob Williams (USA), Trevor Montgomery (Australia) and chief pilot Anatoly Sagalevitch departed the surface at 10.17am GMT with MIR 2 housing Thomas Ewert (USA), Gaylord Layton (USA) and pilot Genya Cherniaev reaching the ship approximately 30 minutes later.

The Bismarck lies upright and relatively intact after she was sunk by the Royal Navy in May 1941 just 8 days after beginning her operational life. She was hounded by British forces for 4 days after sinking the pride of the Royal Navy, HMS Hood after Winston Churchill, nervous about the ramifications to British morale issued firm orders to "sink the Bismarck, whatever the cost!"

The expedition is enjoying perfect conditions with calm seas and slight winds. Expedition Coordinator, Belinda Sawyer (New Zealand) says "the plan is to conduct two further MIR dives on the 8th June before we depart for Cobh, Ireland. We will then be commencing a series of expedition to the wreck of the Titanic off the coast of Newfoundland in mid-June".

Deep Ocean Expeditions - Expedition to Battleship Bismarck Preview

This is Belinda Sawyer, Operations Manager for Deep Ocean Expeditions, reporting live from dive locations on Malpelo and Cocos Islands. Amongst the beautiful blue waters off the coast of Colombia and Costa Rica, we have the rare opportunity to see schools of huge hammerhead and silky sharks and also schools of eagle rays. Despite this utopic serenity, my thoughts are looking forward to our research expedition and dives to the legendary German battleship Bismarck that will occur next month.

Utilizing the largest research vessel in the world, the Russian ship named Akademik Keldysh, we will be using two deep-diving submersibles called Mir I and Mir II. Diving down to the wreck's location at over 15,000 feet, and illuminated by the powerful lights of the submersible, we will witness the remains of the Bismarck. The main section is surprisingly intact, although it shows signs of the large-scale damage wrought by the pounding of the British shells. Part of the stern section has broken away and the main gun turrets are missing. Many of the smaller guns, including the anti-aircraft guns are still in place. The bridge area was largely blown away but the remaining superstructure is intact although obviously damaged. Some of the wooden planks are still visible on the deck. All the dives to Bismarck will have a scientific component through collecting samples, taking instrument measurements and making photographic imagery at the seafloor. At no time will there be retrieval of items nor will we come into contact with the Bismarck. We recognize this site as a war grave and will treat her with respect and dignity.

For further information on this diving expedition and the others that we support, please visit our website at http://www.deepoceanexpeditions.com . As an added bonus, we will be sending a live report from the Bismarck during our expedition.

Deep Ocean Expeditions - Exploration to Bismarck and Titanic

Deep Ocean Expeditions ( DOE) is a global leader in providing adventure expeditions to the deep oceans of the world. Throughout the summer, DOE will be visiting the World War II German battleship, Bismarck at over 15,000 feet, RMS Titanic in close to 13,000 feet and the ocean's thermal vents-the site of a James Cameron's Aliens of the Deep 3-D IMAX film. Your host on these fascinating journeys will be expedition lead and adventurer, Belinda Sawyer who has been involved with running these expeditions for many years. During the summer months, Belinda is a wonderful ambassador on the Russian research vessel, Akademik Keldysh and she is very knowledgeable about the oceans and wreck sites on the bottom of the sea.
A native New Zealander, Belinda has gained her NZ Coastal Master (Captains Certificate) and Marine Engineer qualifications. A current member of the famous Explorers Club, she has worked in various roles including Expedition Leader in many parts of the world. Her work has varied from leading remote location support teams to commanding vessels to implementing inshore fisheries management programs. She has worked on several expedition ships, including icebreakers in Antarctica, tropical dive expeditions and deep diving submersible operations. Continuing with Deep Ocean Expeditions primary goals of adventure, education and science, Belinda also promotes exploration and sustainable management of the world oceans through the DOE website and various education institutes.