I thought I would update you all on this year’s expedition to locate the remains of the “Bonhomme Richard”.
In all the charter vessel “Ocean Dancer” made seven trips out of Whitby harbour. Later into the expedition the weather was not so good and the boat worked from Scarborough harbour. My office window overlooks the harbour here (Whitby) and I am able to log the arrivals and departures, however I am not so fortunate with Scarborough harbour. I was on and off the boat when it was in port and believe the boat made no more than two or three trips out of Scarborough. The charter vessel first made port here in Whitby on the 20th June, leaving for the first leg of the search the next day. The last departure from Whitby was on Thursday, 4th August; on one of my visits to the boat I was informed that the cut off date for this years expedition was the 12th August.
But what of the search, I can hear you asking? Well despite all the best efforts of the team the wreckage remains unfound! It is so hard to believe that with expeditions in 1978, 1979, 2003, 2004 and 2005 that the wreckage remains so elusive? In an e – mail last month Dr. Cussler told me that at the conclusion of this year’s search that he believes he and his teams will have covered in excess of 300 square miles. Even Dr. Cussler will confirm that the early searches were far outweighed by recent searches in terms of research and electronic developments.
There are some who believe that the wreckage was located many years ago, I doubt however that if this were true that Dr. Cussler would simply throw money away on unnecessary expeditions! I have a treasured relationship with Dr. Cussler and Dirk and have come to regard them as close allies. I know that the remains of the Bonhomme Richard mean so much to him and I wish that he could find it, although this would mean he would have no further use in visiting us here.
When the charter vessel was here I felt honoured that such an important expedition was being conducted so close to us. I feel that being welcomed aboard the vessel when it was in port is something really comforting and that such an honour is something I will treasure for many years to come. With the charter vessel’s final legs ending from Scarborough harbour and my lack of mobility I was not able to get aboard to say my farewells but feel I had my share of their time when they were here. I made a number of visits to the vessel when it was in port always being careful not to stay too long or go over too frequently. I was cautious in keeping my distance, but when I did go over I was welcomed as a friend and sometimes refused the offer to go aboard so as not to outstay my welcome.
When this year’s expedition was concluded I asked Dr. Cussler (via e – mail) if he was considering another expedition next year. He replied quickly as he always does, and told me that he would be going through this years results and let me know later if he is. I know he is so keen to locate the remains but appreciate that it does not make financial sense to continue year after year to make such a financial commitment in finding the remains.
That about wraps up this update, it would be good for Dr. Cussler to locate the remains of the ill - fated vessel but unfortunately the wreckage is holding its secrets so very well.
On a slightly different note, my copy of “Polar Shift” arrived this morning and no – one will get anything out of me until it is read. My wife even commented that she could now have some peace although I do not know what she is referring to :)
Dive Whitby snor: