Hi all. I took a step back over the weekend, to contemplate the events of the past several weeks. Alot of attention was given to the Bevington Object, and IMHO, for some pretty good reasons. I was determined, but not prove, that it was consitant with an Electra landing gear. The expedition went to Niku to look for it, as well as potentially other parts. They werent found, at least not yet. That doesnt mean that they were never there. They presently are not in the location they were. Or, more honestly, not in the same configuration as they were. 75 years of batheing in sea water obviously has taken its toll. We have that evidence from the Norwich City, which was a much stonger structure than the Electra.
The other notion is that its there, and we havent found the right location yet. I tend to think that is correct. As we have found out, the underwater topography is pretty hostile. Lots of places to hide, and to destroy evidence. Imagine for a moment, that you are an aluminum skinned aircraft, sliding vertically down a slope. Granted, the water would slow the decent some, but the coral outcroppings would be VERY unforgiving. Lots of cuts, bruises, broken limbs. Some of us know about aircraft structures, and how seeming little damage there can be to the first glance, only to find a significant amount during inspection, Imagine the violence of that act.
Do we know where the ocean bottom is? Maybe not. Perhaps, the slope just keeps on going into an abyss, gradual, but still decending to a depth greater than we can see at this time. And, perhaps again, our evidence, is there, lying on the bottom, waiting fro Ric to come for it.
75 years is a long time between events to find things. Our friend Dr. Malcolm would day 2000 years is a long time. Both are correct. From my perspective, if I may, I believe that parts we are looking for are there, around Nikumarroro. Small enough to hide, and not attract the attention of AUV;s and ROVs, and side scan.
I have the confidence that TIGHAR will find the evidence we are looking for. How that is, I dont know. Perhaps that is for a new thread to discuss----. But certainly, worth developing, funding, and doing.