Date: 1/2/2002
Global Supports Navy Divers in Monitor Salvage Operation
Global divers have been awarded a project by the U.S. Navy to utilise Globalâs 1,500 feet saturation diving system and personnel to support Navy diver salvage of the engine and turret of the U.S.S. Monitor. Upon completion of this project, Globalâs saturation system will by the only U.S. Navy approved civilian saturation diving system.
The Monitor, a 987-ton armored turret gunboat, sank on New Yearâs Eve 1862 during a fierce storm 16 miles south of Cape Hatteras, in 240 feet of water. The ironcladâs turret, the first of its kind, could rotate its guns 360 degrees, eliminating the need to maneuver the ship into firing position.
The U.S. Navy plans to salvage the engine, turret and other artifacts and display them in the Marinerâs Museum in Newport News, Virginia.