Here is a description of the work in 1999.
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Nikumaroro Reconnaissance
On Nikumaroro, work was hampered by heavy rain, but the following work was accomplished (See Fig. N-41):
Intensive search of ___(RIC, HOW MANY?) twenty-meter squares plotted over the area identified by airphotos as including the site of the large structure and the possible wreckage;
Search of the dense mao along the shore north of the Norwich City, employing thrity- to forty-meter long transects cut at twenty-five meter intervals;
Excavation of a grave found on the Nutiran shore near the Norwich City;
Visual inspection of the Taraia shoreline;
Visual inspection of the Nutiran reef flat in and well beyond the area identified by Emily Sikuli as the site where she had been shown wreckage;
Visual inspection of Kanawa Point, including evaluation by Dr. Burns; and
Similar inspection of Aukaraime South.
Unfortunately, time did not allow a visit to the third candidate "bones site" on the southeast windward shore.
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There were 12 team members. They left from Fiji which is a 5 day transit to and from, and spent 10 days ashore. Given all the things they were trying to accomplish, my impression is that the "search" of the Nutiran shore was pretty high level with limited manpower and limited time. The expedition report says they covered about 700 meters north of the NC, so that would take them pretty much to the tip of the island.
Cutting 40 meter transects through Scaevola every 25 meters leaves a lot of territory un-searched. It is hard to see beyond 6 meters in dense scaevola. Camp Zero could have easily been there and not found.
Richie - I'm pretty sure that TIGHAR has visited the sites you indicate, but I don't know to what degree they have been searched in the sense of using metal detectors etc. They are natural clearings, and you can still see them on the new sat photo Marty posted.
Malcolm - The Nutiran shore is one of the driest and hottest areas for whatever reason, probably because it is sheltered by the prevailing winds. Once the Colorado planes few on, the realization that they weren't coming back might have reduced the value of hanging out near the NC At some point it would be natural to begin to explore your new home, such as it is, driven by the need for water and sustenance.
The other end of the island is where there is a breeze, the turtles come ashore to nest, there is buka forest, and there are plenty of birds. In relative terms, it is a more comfortable place to be.
And, there is the dead body issue. In my mind the first one to go gets at least partially covered up with coral rocks, not fully buried - it would be not only difficult without the right tools, but dangerous to dig a true grave given the water loss required - so the idea of the first body being unpleasant to hang out near is a good one in my mind. The last one to die in our AE scenario, ends up on the surface ala the castaway.
Again, we're speculating here, but I think we all have some experience with human nature upon which to base some speculation.
Andrew