High Tech Cowboys of the Deep Seas: The Race to Save the Cougar Ace
The Cougar Ace about to fall on its side in Wide Bay, Alaska. Photo credit: Courtesy of US Coast Guard.
“The cargo ship Cougar Ace was entering Alaskan waters when its ballast tanks malfunctioned and a wave turned it on its side. Millions of dollars in shiny new Mazdas were dangling feet from the cold water. Then the A-Team of sea salvage (including a geek) flipped it right side up without the help of cranes or tugs. Instead of using the typical heavy cranes and tugs, they do their jobs very cheaply using computer models of the ship’s intricate ballast systems, heavy cutting and drilling tools, pumps (and more than a bit of personal risk.) And salvage like this, recognized as a form of legal modern piracy, is compensated by a percentage of the value of the loot they save.”
- via Gizmodo
Check out the full featured article from Wired about the small group of divers, ship captains, salvage masters and ship architects who brought the Cougar upright again.
A lot say that it is one the most interesting reads they have come across. You’d think it would be Hollywood blockbuster material if made into a movie.
