Underwater Search for Shipwrecks
Wreck Research – Main Objectives for Searching Sunken Shipwrecks
– Determining the causes of a shipwreck
The desire to discover the truth about how the accident happened and what caused it. This is also valuable information for the shipowner, the insurer, or the families of the victims of the maritime disaster. Such information also has educational value and can help prevent future maritime accidents.
– Navigational safety zones and wrecks lying on the seabed of seas and oceans
The assessment of an adequate level of navigational safety in relation to wrecks is influenced by:
- Determining the exact geographical position of the wreck on the seabed
- Measuring the distance of the wreck from navigation routes, approach fairways, traffic separation schemes, anchorages
- Measuring the depth above the wreck or the highest protruding construction element
All these elements can have a significant impact on ensuring the navigational safety of other vessels. This is especially important in areas with limited depths, anchorages, or other zones where underwater obstructions may pose a threat, such as hull damage, entanglement in nets, or fishing gear.
– Assessment of hull damage and its impact on marine environmental safety
Ships sink along with their fuel supplies, petroleum-derived substances hazardous to the environment, and sometimes dangerous cargo. The cargo itself may also pose a risk. The release of such substances can have catastrophic consequences for the natural environment. Therefore, it is crucial to inspect the wreck for damage and to assess potential hazards. The purpose of this is either to undertake salvage operations of hazardous substances or to ensure continuous monitoring for possible future risks due to the ongoing degradation of the wreck.
– Recovery of valuable cargo lying in the holds of a sunken ship
The costs of salvaging cargo are often negligible compared to its value. This applies not only to precious metals, but also, for example, to platinum or other ores.
– Recovery of sailors’ remains
The possibility of a dignified burial for victims of maritime disasters by their relatives. The recovery of remains is also an important matter in legal proceedings, so that the person is no longer considered missing.
SONAR, MAGNETOMETER AND ROV – Devices for Underwater Search
Use of sonar for wreck searches
Sonar makes it possible to scan very large sea areas in a relatively short time. In our searches, we use the latest sonar equipment from manufacturers such as Kongsberg, Edgetech, Teledyne Marine. Depending on the size of the wreck being searched for, the depth of the area, and other conditions, we select the best equipment to carry out a given task.
Use of magnetometer for shipwreck searches
In searches, I use the most sensitive proton magnetometers, which utilize the phenomenon of nuclear resonance. They help to locate shipwrecks by measuring the intensity of changes in the magnetic field.
Use of ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) for wreck inspection
The underwater robots I use are capable not only of visual inspection of the hull and superstructure from the outside but also of entering the interior of wrecks. I examine the insides of wrecks, taking biodegradable cable samples and water samples for laboratory analysis. The ROV transmits live images from its camera to any location in the world.
I am able to conduct long-term searches in any area of the world, using the latest tools for underwater work.