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Wreck search is narrowed down
AMERICAN scientists searching for the wreck of an 18th century warship say they have found four possible sites.
The team from the Ocean Technology Foundation in Connecticut are being helped in their search for the Bonhomme Richard which sank somewhere off Flamborough head in 1779, by the US Navy who are using a unique 150ft long nuclear powered submarine to scour the sea bed.
It is their third expedition to find the remains of the vessel captained by John Paul Jones who is credited as being the father of the American Navy.
Melissa Ryan, project manager for the team who have been onboard the sub's mother ship at a location several miles off Flamborough Head for almost two weeks, said: "Much like our last survey in 2006, we have discovered four shipwrecks which we think could potentially be the Bonhomme Richard.
"It is difficult to see the wrecks because of the poor visibility at depth, so we are going back to get more video footage with hopefully better visibility."
She described the wrecks as being covered in marine growth which made it even more of a challenge.
"As expected, we probably will not be able to say definitively this time whether we have found Bonhomme Richard or not. Archaeology is a long process, and we'll need to return to these sites again with different technologies, perhaps a Remotely Operated Vehicle," said Melissa.
She said NR-1 US search and recovery submarine was an outstanding search tool but added: "It is not easy to manoeuvre a 150ft submarine gently around a shipwreck while fighting currents and dealing with poor visibility."
The team expect to be in the area possibly until the end of the month.
Their work is being funded by the Ocean Technology Foundation and private and corporate donations and the US Navy is supporting the mission through the use of the NR-1 as it was already working overseas.
This will be the sub's final operation in its 40 year service, before it is decomissioned later this year.
Its seven-man crew is enthusiastic about the final mission and its historic significance for America and the Navy.
Mike Hollenback, ship's engineer, had a particular reason to find the wreck: "I graduated from the US Naval Academy and stood watch over John Paul Jones' crypt and the opportunity to find the final resting place of his ship is truly historic."
Commander John McGrath, captain, said: "After nearly 40 years of quiet service it would be a perfect ending if the world's finest deep submersible could discover the Bonhomme Richard on our final mission."
Zack Montello, a chief electrician's mate who pilots the submarine described conditions on board the NR-1 as: "Like a small underwater mobile home, but with too many people."
The frigate Bonhomme Richard caught fire and sank somewhere off Flamborough Head after a fierce canon battle with a the British ship HMS Serapis which John Paul Jones captured.
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Their heavy battle was said to have been witnessed by hundreds of people on the shore and cliffs of Flamborough.
If its wreck is eventually discovered it is thought the Bridlington area could be a magnet for American tourists.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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