1975
Tommy Thompson, ocean engineer, takes up lost shipwrecks as a hobby
and eventually develops a logical method to quantify the risks involved in
locating and recovering deep water shipwrecks.
1982-1983
New, sophisticated sonar search technologies become available.
1983
The S.S. Central America emerges as a prime candidate for
discovery. An historical record rich in clues tot he ship’s location
is a decisive factor.
1984-1986
Hundreds of sources are searched for clues. Every detail pertaining
to the ship’s whereabouts during its final forty-eight hours is given
numerical value. Sophisticated computer analysis produces a map with areas
of high and low probability.
Summer, 1986
The search expedition is launched. Wide-swath sonar technology is
used to scan the ocean floor. In an important project innovation, sonic images
of the sea floor appear on a color computer monitor aboard ship as they are
received. 1,400 square miles—ten times the area searched to find the
Titanic—is imaged in only forty days. The site is located.
1986-1987
Nemo, a revolutionary deep submergence vehicle capable of
performing precise work in thousands of feet of water, is designed and built.
Based on a modular design, the remotely-operated vehicle is easily modified
to perform a wide range of precise scientific tasks.
July 8, 1987
The first artifact, a lump of anthracite coal, is recovered and airlifted
to U.S. District Court in Norfolk, VA. Several says later a decision is handed
down protecting the Columbus-America Discovery Group’s enterprise and
establishing legal rights for individuals on the deep-sea floor for the first
time in history.
Summer, 1988
The vehicle design is upgraded. A sophisticated sonar grid is established
for precise measurement of the football-sized wreck site. The S.S. Central
America’s bronze bell is brought to the surface. The identity of
the shipwreck is confirmed.
Summer, 1989
Excavation begins. The gold deposit is located and the first load
of gold is brought to the surface.
Summer, 1990
In a precedent-setting decision, U.S. District Court Judge Richard
B. Kellam awards full title of ownership of the treasure to Columbus-America
Discovery Group, as the discoveries continue.
1993
Kellam, on remand, awards 90 percent of commercial gold recovered
to Columbus-America.
1995
United States Supreme Court denies underwriters' appeal, letting
the 90 percent award to Columbus-America stand.
Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea by Gary Kinder
Copyright © 1998 Gary Kinder
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer, who may quote brief passages in a review.
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