Ep 9. Deep Sea Salvage

Deep Sea Salvage is the ninth episode of season 14 of the popular History Channel show, Modern Marvels. The episode explores the world of deep-sea salvaging and the ingenuity and cutting-edge technology behind the recovery of sunken treasure, military wrecks, and lost vessels.

The episode begins with a brief history of deep-sea salvaging and the development of underwater technology. It highlights some of the most famous deep-sea salvage operations in history, such as the discovery and recovery of the Titanic.

Next, the show delves into the challenges of modern-day deep-sea salvage. It covers the obstacles that salvagers face in finding and accessing wrecks that can lay several thousand feet below sea level, as well as the harsh conditions and dangers posed by the deep sea environment.

The episode then introduces some of the modern technologies and equipment used by deep-sea salvage teams. These include remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), which are used to explore and document wrecks, and specialized submersibles that can reach depths of up to 6,000 meters. The show also highlights the use of sophisticated sonar imaging systems that can map out the ocean floor and locate wrecks with incredible precision.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to several of the leading deep-sea salvage companies in the world. These include the US-based salvage company, Odyssey Marine Exploration, which has salvaged a number of historically significant wrecks, including the SS Central America – a steamship that sank in 1857 carrying a fortune in gold and treasures.

Other notable salvagers featured in the show include British-based Deep Ocean Search and American company Phoenix International, who specialize in military recoveries. The episode also covers the work of marine archaeologists, who play a crucial role in documenting and preserving the historical context of recovered artifacts.

The episode also covers the legal and ethical considerations involved in deep-sea salvage operations. Salvaging a wreck can be a complex legal process, with different countries exercising different levels of jurisdiction over wrecks in their territorial waters. One notable example mentioned in the show is the case of the Spanish galleon, Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, which was salvaged by Odyssey Marine in 2007. The Spanish government claimed ownership of the wreck and its contents, leading to a lengthy legal battle between Odyssey and Spain.

Finally, the episode ends on a more positive note, highlighting some of the incredible treasures that have been recovered from the depths of the ocean. Viewers are introduced to recovered artifacts from a range of wrecks, including coins, jewels, and even rare documents and manuscripts.

Overall, Deep Sea Salvage is a fascinating and informative episode that explores the world of deep-sea salvage in depth. From the challenges and risks involved in modern-day recoveries to the incredible treasures revealed by these operations, the show offers a unique glimpse into this little-known world of underwater exploration.