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High-wire Act

WHOI researcher Fritz Hess transfers by highline from the USS Hazelwood to Atlantis II during the search for the lost nuclear submarine Thresher in 1963. Making just its second voyage for WHOI scientists intended as a routine biology cruise in the Gulf of Maine Atlantis II was summoned to assist in the search for the U.S. Navy submarine after it had sunk 220 miles east of Cape Cod in 8,000 feet of water. Atlantis II crewmembers collected the first photographic evidence of the sub’s remains, receiving a commendation from the Navy for their work. (Photo courtesy of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Archives)