An Amazing Ride

Lauri's Guaymas Impressions:

13 November: Today I was given the opportunity to photograph Alvin's retrieval from the zodiac Avon so we could show you how Alvin is recovered after a dive. Words could not describe my excitement!

Since Alvin isn't designed to cruise along the water's surface, it needs to be towed a short distance back to Atlantis. This is a multi-step process that begins with two swimmers (Carl and Jim, today) and a driver (Jerry) racing a zodiac out about a half mile from the ship to the general area where Alvin is expected to surface. Once the sub is spotted we move closer so the swimmers can attach the sample basket stabilizer. This braces the big tray-like structure on Alvin's bow that carries all of the precious samples when the sub is lifted from the water.

As we get closer to Alvin, we all notice the strong smell of hydrocarbons and a light slick on the water's surface. Apparently crude oil seeps through the sediments on the Guaymas sea floor and is brought up in small amounts as Alvin ascends. This hydrothermally-formed oil is formed as we explained in the post "Holding Patterns". After the basket is secured, Alvin needs to have a sea anchor made ready for use. This parachute-like device acts as a brake and stabilizer for the sub when being towed, otherwise Alvin would not tow in a straight line. Once all that stuff is done, Jerry, Jim, and I speed back toward Atlantis, which is slowly steaming ahead to meet Alvin. After about 15 minutes, Alvin and Atlantis meet. Jim dives back in and helps Carl attach the towline and deploy the sea anchor.

Alvin then swings around and gets pulled into position under the huge crane known as the A- Frame. Once Carl and Jim have attached the massive lifting line, Alvin is raised to meet the two stabilizing dampers on the A Frame's teleleg.

A tail hook is then attached to the sub and the swimmers are free to show off their diving skills. Finally, the Avon's job is done and we return to the ship.

I felt incredibly free and yet vulnerable in the little zodiac as I watched the bulk and safety of Atlantis shrink into the distance. The vast seascape of rolling swell and chop provided me with a new perspective not just of the ship, but also of the abyss below and all the beauty and mystery within it.

Thanks again to everyone involved for this very special opportunity, especially Christine for sacrificing her training time. I would also like to thank Captain Colburn for his approval and the crew for letting me join them. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience.