Re: "The Dare" starting survey work on Fisher's new wreck!!
LOST MERCHANT SEARCH BEGINS
Thu, Apr 21, 2011 at 5:08 PM
"If treasure hunting was easy, everybody would be doing it."
Mel Fisher - 1975
Throughout the years, many of our expeditions have not gone as planned, The Lost Merchant is no exception. In recent months we have had to overcome many adversities, the biggest hurdles being weather and equipment.
Last Friday, after much anticipation, the Dare headed north to begin its survey for The Lost Merchant. Everything was working perfectly and spirits were high. After a day of steaming full ahead, the Dare was struck by lightning. Thankfully, no one was injured. However, the lightning strike damaged much of the electronics system and destroyed several of its components.
Captain Papo and his very capable crew still managed to get to their destination on time but were forced to change the plan and begin assessing the damage and start the repair.
Today we are happy to report that all of the electronics on the Dare have been repaired or replaced and all required systems are again working at 100%. The Dare left the dock at noon yesterday and, based on current weather forecasts, it looks like they should be able to work through Friday evening.
Key personnel on the Dare Include:
"Papo" Garcia, Captain of the Dare, with his crew of 4 divers
Gary Randolph, Operations Director, Mel Fisher Expeditions
Sean Redding, Engineer and Shore-side Captain, Mel Fisher Expeditions
Jim Sinclair, Marine Archeologist, Mel Fisher Expeditions
A 3-man Technical dive team and film crew, led by Gary Hepburn, producer of the "Go Deep!" film that documented the finding of the Margarita pearls in 2007.
These filmmakers are certified technical divers, capable of diving to 500 feet, breathing mixed gases. Once the Lost Merchant is located with our side scan sonar, they will dive the wreck to photograph/video the ballast pile and recover a few artifacts to present to a Federal Magistrate for our Admiralty claim, the first step toward ownership.
Today's the Day!