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Having worked
at Harbor Branch a short time after the KSL incident, several issues were
identified that have proved out in review of almost all submarine rescues: 1.
Start rescue attempts as soon as possible, DO NOT DELAY! Any
effort is better then waiting for the best option. 2.
A second submersible vehicle can greatly assist a rescue attempt,
whether it is an ROV or another submersible. 3.
Provide adequate thermal protection in the submersible to mitigate
long exposure to even moderate cold. 4.
Emergency CO2 scrubber and O2 supplies should
be sufficient to cover the maximum time expected before recovery can be
completed (generally 72 hrs.). 5.
If free-ascent is a viable option, start it at the earliest
possible point as rising CO2 levels, numbing cold, fatigue and other
developing catastrophes make it much more difficult later. 6.
Different rescue scenarios should be sandboxed and looked at from
all angles to determine what issues might be resolved to prevent the accident. 7.
Submarine rescue should be practiced. Respectfully, Jay K. Jeffries Andros Is., Natura nihil fit
in frustra From: owner- Ah, Johnson-Sea Link. I understand there were circumstances surrounding that
particular incident that led to these deaths being unnecessary.
Apparently those present differed with the published version of the event. The deaths were, I understand, preventable. The
way the drama unfolded was what killed them, not the accident
itself. A decision tree that went awry. Rick L |