Maybe a more appropriate Historical quote for this "weekend update" would have been "Damn the Torpedos, full speed ahead!!"
With the forcast calling for small craft advisory Saturday, a hardy bunch on Divers led by a Fearless Captain in the likes of Admiral David Farragut himself, decided to head out. A total of Seven mooring lines were cast off (We chopped them with one of "Franks Custom Stainless steel Axes" instead of just untying them from the cleats in order to get a plug for one of our sponsors)and We headed out. The destination was the "Secret Steamer". There is a back story to this "Secret Steamer" that is beyond the scope of this board. All I can tell You is that it was built in Cleveland around the turn of the Century.
With the Holidays approaching, and visions of dredging Side Tunnels in our heads, it was decided that today we would test out the new dredge on the boat. This "Monarch of Suction" will bring Artifacts hiding in the Darkness to the light of day once again. As we headed out the inlet, the building Seas deflated our hopes. Our Brave Captain, unnerved by the treacherous seas, rallied the crew by exclaiming from the Wheelhouse "Just cover everything in plastic, You Fools! I got a project!" The crew scrambled out on deck and protected our precious life support equipment from the freezing spray.
After a quick and arduous battle, We arrived at the site of the Steamer. One of the Veteran Divers was selected to Tie in (Very simple task in rough seas/December/No Vis). Even though Tying in is a walk in the park in these conditions, An argument ensued between the "Tie in" diver and the Captain about the proper way to connect the Sisal Rope to the Broken down remains of the Steamer. The "Tie In" diver was proven wrong and reluctantly went over the side He went.
After a few minutes the cup came up, and over the side I went. The Vis Sucked and it was cold. I had to pull the Hook. A period glass Liquid holding device was found. Someone absolutely destroyed the Head on the way out. Many, Many Laughs were had. The "Monarch of Suction" will have to wait for a calmer day to be put to the test.
"Where do You think You're gonna put that tree Griswald?"
what is the proper way to tie in? - i have heard many - how do you know what is the correct spot - do you train ur crew or do you accept anyone? Usually those with the wealth of knowledge tie on like twice a season and consider themselves deep water technical divers - what is your secret and what is this secret wreck you went to?
Was anyone on board to take pics of this wreck - the steamer...from Cleveland? Do you have any video? It does sound like a fun operation - is this a charter or private boat? How can I get invited? Im good to 130 and I can send you my dive resume of accomplishments if it will help. I still need to update it with my most recent (inshore) pond exploration that I mentioned in other posts. It didnt go as well as expected so I havent posted a report until I actually find something.
As I sit here reading this it brings a warm feeling, wait a minute I think I have to go to the head. I'm back anyway as I was saying it's nice to know there's a group of manly men around diving the way it should be done, damn the torpedo's. Brings a warm feeling, whoops i'll be back later. Capt. Bill
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