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NOAA-Sponsored/-Permitted Expeditions to the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary
Duke University Marine Laboratory,
June 9 - 10 and 16, 1976
The Monitor Research and Recovery Foundation (MRRF) and the University of Delaware collect magnetic data from the wreck and the surrounding area. Acoustic data are also collected in the vicinity of the wreck to determine the direction of the slope and the wreck's relative position.
MRFF and the University of Delaware
April 4 - 8, 1977
The MRRF and the University of Delaware conduct tests on the speed and direction of the near-bottom currents in the vicinity of the Sanctuary. Core samples are taken to study the sediments around the wreck site. Television cameras are used to study the condition of the wreck.
NOAA and Harbor Branch Foundation
July 17 - August 2, 1977
Teams from NOAA, Harbor Branch, the North Carolina Division of Archives and History, and the United States Navy perform an extensive photogrammetric survey of the wreck. This is also the first on-site exploration performed using manned submersibles and divers. A brass signal lantern is recovered after it is discovered lying on the bottom 40 feet north of the Monitor's turret.
Cousteau Society
June 9 - 14, 1979
Divers from the Cousteau Society, using standard scuba equipment, film the Monitor for a segment of a documentary on "Historical Shipwrecks." Two crews of four divers each drift with the currents, filming as they drift along the wreck. The resulting film is of poor quality due to strong currents and low visibility on the bottom.
NOAA, Harbor Branch Foundation, North Carolina Division of Archives and History
August 1 - 26, 1979
A team of 20 divers and three underwater archaeologists conducts 49 dives. Supported by the R/V Johnson and the submersible Johnson-Sea-Link I, the divers perform excavations in the forward section of the hull. Numerous small artifacts are recovered.
NOAA
August 21 - 29, 1983
A team from NOAA, Harbor Branch, and East Carolina University aboard the R/V Johnson begins the first phase of research intended to stabilize the wreck and investigate the feasibility of major recovery operations. A highlight of the expedition is the recovery of the Monitor's unique four-fluked anchor, which was located 150 yards southwest of the wreck. The anchor is transported to East Carolina University for conservation.
NOAA
August 2 - 11, 1985
Scientific teams from NOAA, Eastport International, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation aboard the R/V Peter W. Anderson conduct remote-sensing operations. The equipment records the magnetic characteristics of the Sanctuary and makes side-scan sonar images of the wreck. Two recording current meters are placed on the bottom to record the currents, temperatures, and salinity in the water column around the wreck.
NOAA
May 25 - June 9, 1987
Teams from NOAA, Eastport International, and the U.S. Navy aboard the USNS Apache conduct visual and photographic studies of the wreck. Corrosion studies, a structural survey of the wreck, and a survey of the ocean bottom in the vicinity of the wreck are carried out using the remote-operated vehicle (ROV) Deep Drone and three-dimensional sonar.
NOAA
June 1 - 2, 1990
On board the R/V Seward Johnson, teams from NOAA and Harbor Branch using the Johnson - Sea Link I submersible make a series of observations and video and photographic images of the site. Exceptional visibility at the site provides excellent video images. Changes in the wreck are noted, especially in the area aft of the midships bulkhead.
Farb Monitor Expedition
June 5 - 13, 18 - 22, 1990
In this privately funded expedition, divers under the direction of Roderick M. Farb, using standard scuba equipment, obtain high-quality video and photographic images of the wreck.
Gentile Expedition
June 30 - July 11, 1990
This privately funded expedition under the direction of Gary Gentile surveys the wreck using side-scan sonar. Divers using mixed-gas scuba make still and video images of the wreck.
NOAA
July 25 - 27, 1990
On board the R/V Edwin Link, teams from NOAA and Harbor Branch using the submersible Johnson-Sea Link II make controlled still and video images of the wreck. Surveys are conducted of the area aft of the midships bulkhead to document changes that were reported during the June 1990 expedition. An intact glass lantern chimney located during the June expedition is recovered and a recording thermograph is placed at the site to record water temperatures over the next year.
Farb Monitor Expedition
July 28 - August 5, August 25 - 31, 1990
Divers under the direction of Roderick M. Farb make video and still photographs of the wreck using hand-held equipment.
NOAA Emergency Assessment
June 20, 1991
A team from NOAA and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution on board the R/V Edwin Link carries out an emergency inspection of the site in response to a report from the Coast Guard of unauthorized anchoring within the Sanctuary. Using the submersible Johnson-Sea Link I, a visual inspection of the wreck is carried out and the recording thermograph placed on site in July 1990 is recovered. The visual inspection reveals evidence of recent impact on the face of the turret and port armor belt as well as a noticeable change in the position of the rudder skeg and propeller.
Farb Monitor Expedition
August 31 - September 7, 1991
Divers under the direction of Roderick M. Farb plan to obtain photographs and video of the engineering section and stern area to aid in a computer-generated map of the wreck. Poor bottom conditions limit the success of the expedition.
NOAA
October 4 - 5, 1991
Scientific teams from NOAA and Harbor Branch on board the R/V Edwin Link document the recent changes in the wreck using the submersible Johnson-Sea Link I. Recent changes include a section of the lower hull that has begun to separate forward of where the skeg and propeller shaft exit the hull, and a crack in the port side armor belt approximately 1 meter from the stern. A recording thermograph is left at the site to document water temperatures over a one-year period.
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