THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 26, 1994 TAG: 9408260563
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: CAPE HATTERAS LENGTH: Medium: 51 lines
Twenty-seven lucky - and experienced - divers will be able to view the wreckage of the USS Monitor this fall, the first divers to see the wreck on something other than a research mission.
Deep water, treacherous currents and federal regulations have restricted access to the Monitor site, managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
John Broadwater, who oversees the wreck site, said the diving permit was approved as a pilot project in response to requests for more access to the site. Previously, only research-related dives were allowed.
``I think there is a lot of interest,'' Broadwater said. ``The real concern on everybody's part is trying to make sure the people who sign up are qualified and keeping it as safe as possible.''
A diving boat operator is planning three trips this fall to the site where the Monitor sank off Cape Hatteras while being towed during a winter storm in 1862. The Civil War ironclad gunboat was discovered 21 years ago about 16 miles off the cape.
NOAA officials will monitor the trips scheduled at least through this year. Divers will not be allowed to touch the Monitor, which lies upside down in 220 feet of water, or bring up artifacts.
The boat operator, Art Kirchner of Hatteras, said people interested in diving must have five hours of experience in water more than 200 feet deep before participating.
He plans three trips, each with nine divers, lasting five days. Two are planned for next month and one for October. The trips in September are booked. Divers will only be able to spend about 20 minutes at the bottom because of the water's depth.
Kirchner, who has dived to the Monitor and carried research divers to the site, said the trip is worth the training and other logistics.
``It is special,'' he said. ``The wreck is an incredible part of history and just to see it is moving.''
The boat is known for its battle with the Confederate ironclad Merrimac in Hampton Roads. It was the first naval battle between metal warships.
Broadwater said the wreckage has been steadily deteriorating. He said a section of the stern collapsed in the past year.
He said federal agencies are reviewing research results to help determine whether the ship's distinctive rotating turret can be recovered. by CNB