The capabilities of the upcoming Niku VI Earhart Project expedition are getting better and better.
A Second Ship
We have recently concluded arrangements to have a second ship join the expedition for the last week of our time at Nikumaroro. Our primary vessel, Nai’a, will arrive at Nikumaroro with the first team on or about May 22. The second ship will arrive on or about June 5 bringing additional personnel and any special expertise and/or spare or replacement parts needed.
We’ve always dreamed of having a second ship but have never before been able to afford that luxury. A second ship coming in for the last week enables us to react to whatever happens in the first two weeks at the island. It’s like being able to call in specialized reinforcements in the middle of a battle.
The ROV
We’ve selected a vendor/contractor for the underwater search portion of the expedition (see Where is the Electra?). SeaBotix Corporation is a manufacturer of small, advanced Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) known as Little Benthic Vehicles (LBVs). SeaBotix has joined the TIGHAR team with a vengeance, devoting an array of deep sea search technology to the search for the wreckage of the Earhart Electra off the island's western reef. SeaBotix executive Jesse Rodocker will sail with us aboard Nai’a as ROV pilot/technician assisted by TIGHAR stalwarts John Clauss and Walt Holm. If whatever is left of NR16020 is within our search area, we’ll find it.
