But I become increasingly convinced that the only thing that will meet the any-idiot standard is conclusively identifiable Lockheed 10 wreckage discovered in situ. If it still exists its somewhere on the reef slope and the only way to find it is with manned submersibles.
A few questions and thoughts that you may not answer, Ric, as my membership is unpaid due to my being out of work (this may turn into involuntary early retirement). But others may:
Why only manned submersibles? Are ROVs now deemed incapable and/or too undependable?
Quantifying the searchA proper search plan or map should show the overall search area, and sub-areas of higher and lower probability.
Does TIGHAR have such a plan of the reef slope?
How big is the probable area?
What percentage of the probable area has been properly searched to date (if any)?
How much area can reasonably be searched with a manned submersible in one day?
How long then can we expect a full search to take?
I know the comparison is weak, but other underwater searches in the news (like flight 370's) routinely report on how much of the likely (or "search") area has been covered. I am concerned that TIGHAR's underwater searches to date have been somewhat scattershot (with legitimate reason - no criticism implied) and patience and resources are limited. I think supporters need to know how big this job is.
Cheers,
Jon