This morning, we proceeded with the ISIS to continue side scan operations off the SE coast of Zannone. However, about 20 minutes into our first survey line we realized that numerous buoys were laid across our intended path. These buoys are connected to fishing nets, which could cause damage to our survey equipment. We took the decision to move to the other side of the island, specifically the outer lines in deeper waters. In the coming days, we will return to the areas we tried to survey today in the hope that the fisherman would have retrieved their nets. On the whole, the survey is progressing well and we have a number of interesting targets that we will be returning to later this week.

Day two of the planned survey of Zannone went off without a hitch. The weather has been perfect for survey and Timmy, Aaron and Paul added more area to that covered during the first day. A portion of the site we have selected to survey has clearly been visited by fishing trawlers and that may affect the results we have seen in this area. The mass of holiday boaters have departed and we now have just a few dozen around us.

MY FORTALEZA AT ANCHOR OFF PONZA, ITALY

Meanwhile on Fortaleza, Eric has worked out the interface problems between the ROV and our new manipulator skid and it’s up and running. It turns out it was just some ROV “brain surgery” and things started to click. Eric spent some time practicing and was able to handle a ceramic mug without destroying it – a definite necessity in the field of archeology. It might be tricker when in the water, doing it for real. When needed the skid holding the digital camera and flash, typically located under the vehicle, will be removed and the manipulator skid attached in its place. The manipulator is controlled from the surface through the vehicle. This allows us to recover items of interest for further study.

ERIC PRACTICES WITH NEW MANIPULATOR