News
25 April 2011 - Plymouth, England
The Liberty 70 Project: Geophysical Survey Completed
The first geophysical survey of the site of the James Eagan Layne wreck was completed in April 2010. The survey was undertaken by ProMare and the University of Plymouth using the University’s survey vessel Falcon Spirit with the help of students and lecturers from the School of Marine Science and Engineering.
The survey involved using a side scan sonar to detect objects lying on the seabed using ultrasonic sound waves or sonar. The survey included the creation of a mosaic of side scan sonar images of the wreck itself and the seabed around it which will be used to create a plan of the site. The sonar survey also identified a number of objects on the seabed around the wreck which will be identified and recorded by divers. Along with a sonar survey a magnetometer was towed over the site and this instrument was used to detect iron objects on the seabed. The magnetometer also identified a number of targets away from the wreck which will need further investigation by divers to see if they are debris from the James Eagan Layne. A multibeam echo sounder survey of the site will also be undertaken in the near future and will be used to create a 3D model of the remains of the ship.
March 2015 is the 70th anniversary of the sinking of the US Liberty ship James Eagan Layne. The ship was beached in Whitsand bay near Plymouth, England, in March 1945 after being torpedoed by a U-boat. To celebrate the anniversary, over the next 4 years the Liberty 70 Project aims to document all aspects of the life of this vessel - wartime transport, shipwreck, commercial salvage job, the classic UK wreck dive and artificial reef.
For more information about the Liberty 70 Project please visit our web site at www.shipsproject.org/Liberty70/
The Liberty 70 Project is part of The SHIPS Project based in Plymouth, UK.
Contact: Peter Holt, Project Manager, Liberty 70 Project
Email: pete@3HConsulting.com
Web: www.shipsproject.org/Liberty70/