READ ALL ABOUT IT!
THE SPIEGEL GROVE IS NOW UPRIGHT THANKS TO HURRICANE DENNIS
The "coconut telegraph" was in full swing Monday afternoon with news of the Spiegel Grove and her new position. Mother Nature and Hurricane Dennis joined their forces together and managed to do what should have been done from the start, set the Spiegel upright. The Grove being upright now creates a completely new and exciting dive. The phrase "I dove the Spiegel Grove" now has an entirely new meaning. Now one will have to ask was she still on her side or was she upright?
The staff of Quiescence immediately boarded the Q I with anticipation and excitement that was contagious to anyone who witnessed the rush. A bevy of Nitrox tanks, BCD's, regulators, wetsuits and cameras flooded the gear cart with hurried thoughts and conversation about getting to the wreck as soon as possible. The first report from the Q I verifies that the wreck is sitting perfectly upright and straight with a completely new face inviting divers to visit her after her "face lift."
Quiescence will keep you updated as information continues to poor in and stories are told so please check back for updates. I myself am looking forward to seeing the Grove upright with the sunlight beaming through her as it does on the Duane sitting as proud as she was when she was still serving our country.
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY QUIESCENCE DIVING SERVICES, INC.
JULY 12, 2005:
UPDATE ON THE SPIEGEL GROVE RIGHTING!
"She’s upright and level – basically no list to her at all. Here’s what I surmise at this point:
For the last three years, the current has been eroding the soft sand underneath the wreck. The ship, with its slight list towards being upright, was anxious to complete the roll. During the attempt to right the ship, we wrapped an anchor cable around the ship and took the anchor to the SW, so that as the tugs pulled on it, the cable would spin the ship like a top. Once the towing lines broke, that cable remained tight. According to a meteorologist that Andy Newman has spoken to, there were 20 ft waves that traveled up the reef line all the way from down south, creating a strong current flowing along the outer edge.
With the well deck facing into the current like a scoop, the erosion underneath, and the cable still in play, the force was evidently enough to help the ship roll the rest of the way.
Keep in mind that the anchoring was performed by the Sanctuary, and they held well. Although the visibility was very poor yesterday, it appears that the ship is still where it was, both in orientation and GPS coordinates. Myself, Doc, John Halas, George Garrett, and Hank Becker will be going back out today to start an assessment process. The Sanctuary is closing the site down until the assessment is completed."
Rob Bleser
Quiescence Diving Services, Inc.