Figure 20. Diver Lashing Nylon Web Net to AL VIN Underwater. 



SUBMERGED TOW TO SHALLOW WATER 



Two tow methods were available. One method was to tow ALVIN at a depth of 100 feet 

 with the attachment point at MIZAR's center well (figure 21). This would require grounding 

 ALVIN in at least 100 feet of water in a relatively exposed location in the open sea prior to 

 final lift onto a barge. The other tow method was to suspend ALVIN at a depth of 40 feet 

 from pontoons (figure 22). This would permit passage to the sheltered waters of Menemsha 

 Bight, Massachusetts, for final lift onto a barge. This was selected as the more prudent 

 course of action. 



Three 8.4-ton inflatable salvage pontoons were firmly secured to ALVIN; one pontoon 

 carried the load and the two additional pontoons, lashed together to minimize chafing, were 

 attached for safety. A transponder, to be used for relocation in case the tow had to be bot- 

 tomed, was also made fast to ALVIN 's sail. 



At 0220, 29 August, with the tow streamed 350 feet astern, MIZAR began the passage 

 to Menemsha Bight at a speed of 2 knots. ALVIN was towed backward, suspended 35 feet 

 beneath the surface. During the tow, one pontoon deflated and a second began to deflate. 



32 



