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RV Atlantis II
RV Atlantis II
RV Atlantis II
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History
United States
NameAtlantis II
NamesakeRV Atlantis
OwnerWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution
BuilderMaryland Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, Baltimore, Maryland[1]
CostUSD$ 5m[1]
LaunchedSeptember 8, 1962[1]
Sponsored byDr. Mary Sears[1]
In serviceFebruary 1, 1963[1]
Out of serviceJuly 23, 1996[1]
IdentificationIMO number: 5029752
FateSold, 1996[1]
General characteristics [2]
Length210 ft (64 m)
Beam44 ft (13 m)
Draft17 ft (5.2 m)
Speed12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph)
Endurance45 days
Boats & landing
craft carried		DSV Alvin (1984-1996)
Crew33 + 25 scientists

RV Atlantis II is a research vessel formerly operated by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The ship was built in 1962. She was used as the support vessel for the Alvin submersible for many years, and retired from Woods Hole service in 1996. After a period of inactivity in New Orleans, she was transferred to the travel adventure company Outlander Expeditions in 2006. In 1986 she was used by Dr. Robert Ballard as mother-ship to DSV Alvin when Ballard and team surveyed the RMS Titanic wreck for the first time. The Titanic expedition was sponsored by National Geographic.

The following seafloor features have been named for RV Atlantis II:

References

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RV Atlantis II

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from Grokipedia
RV Atlantis II was a 210-foot operated by the (WHOI) from 1963 to 1996, serving as the of its fleet and supporting a wide range of oceanographic expeditions, including deep-sea operations. Built by the Maryland Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in under a $5 million grant from the , the vessel was launched on September 8, 1962, and arrived at WHOI on February 1, 1963, christened by oceanographer Dr. Mary Sears. With a beam of 44 feet, draft of 17 feet, cruising speed of 12 knots, and endurance of 45 days at sea, it accommodated up to 25 scientists and 33 crew members, enabling global research voyages totaling 1,006,912 miles over 468 cruises and 8,115 days at sea. During its service, Atlantis II played pivotal roles in landmark events, such as its second voyage in , when it was diverted from a routine cruise to photograph the wreckage of the sunken U.S. Thresher east of , earning a U.S. commendation for providing the first photographic evidence. In , the vessel underwent reconfiguration to support the submersible Alvin, which it tendered until retirement, including a notable 1986 expedition to the Titanic wreck site where Alvin conducted dives and tested the remotely operated vehicle Jason Jr.. The ship completed a record-setting voyage by distance of 573 days covering nearly 80,000 miles from 1975 to 1977, while a 1979 refit converted its propulsion from steam to diesel, enhancing efficiency for continued operations across 112 ports in 78 nations. Atlantis II pioneered several advancements in ocean research infrastructure, becoming the first WHOI vessel designated with the "RV" prefix and setting records for sea days and global coverage, with no other matching its extensive exploration of the world's oceans. It also advanced inclusivity by integrating women scientists and female officers into its crews during an era when such participation was rare in maritime research. Decommissioned on July 23, 1996, after 33 years of service, the vessel was sold to Shaula Navigation and renamed Antares for fisheries research in the Pacific and , marking the end of an era in WHOI's history.

Construction and acquisition

Development and design

In the early 1960s, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) recognized the need for a modern research vessel to succeed its original Atlantis, a 142-foot ketch-rigged ship commissioned in 1931 that had become inadequate for the expanding scope of oceanographic investigations. Post-World War II advancements, including sonar systems, deep-sea coring devices, and other technologies developed during wartime efforts, had transformed marine science, necessitating a larger, more versatile platform capable of supporting extended global expeditions and interdisciplinary studies in physical, chemical, and biological oceanography. The development of RV Atlantis II was funded primarily through a $5 million grant from the , which supported the planning and design of a purpose-built ship tailored to the demands of contemporary ocean research. The design was developed by Bethlehem Steel's Central Technical Department in , and the naval architecture firm M. Rosenblatt & Son in New York. This federal investment reflected the growing national priority on marine sciences during the era, enabling WHOI to create a vessel that could accommodate advanced instrumentation and serve the broader U.S. academic community. Key design decisions focused on functionality for at-sea experimentation, incorporating wet and dry laboratories equipped for sample processing, analysis, and storage, as well as accommodations for 31 crew members and 25 to facilitate collaborative voyages. The vessel featured a hull constructed for enhanced durability in rough seas, with particular emphasis on stability to minimize vessel motion and ensure accurate from sensitive equipment during all-weather operations in regions like the North and South Atlantic. Named RV Atlantis II to pay tribute to WHOI's pioneering first research ship, the vessel was christened by institution biologist Dr. Mary Sears, a key figure in wartime oceanography, during its launch ceremony, symbolizing the continuity of WHOI's exploratory legacy.

Building and launch

The RV Atlantis II was constructed by the Maryland Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Baltimore, Maryland, as a purpose-built oceanographic research vessel for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). Construction began in 1962, reflecting the rapid advancement in post-World War II marine science infrastructure. The vessel's 210-foot steel hull was assembled to withstand extended deep-sea operations, incorporating reinforced for global voyages. During the build, scientific laboratories—totaling four dedicated spaces—were integrated into the design to support on-board analysis of , , and biological samples, while deck equipment such as winches and hydrographic gear was installed to facilitate ocean sampling deployments. These features positioned Atlantis II as a versatile platform for mid-20th-century , emphasizing fieldwork in physical, chemical, and biological disciplines. On September 8, 1962, was launched at the Baltimore shipyard in a ceremony sponsored by Dr. Mary Sears, a pioneering WHOI oceanographer and naval reservist whose contributions to wartime underscored the vessel's role in advancing deep-sea research capabilities. Principal speaker at the event was Director Dr. Alan Waterman, highlighting the ship's significance in expanding U.S. academic ocean exploration. Following sea trials and final fittings, was delivered to WHOI and entered service on February 1, 1963, arriving in Woods Hole that day for official handover. Initial outfitting included basic 1960s-era navigation systems such as and echo sounders, along with radio communication setups for coordinating remote expeditions, ensuring operational readiness for its inaugural cruise to just three weeks later.

Technical specifications

General characteristics

RV Atlantis II is a mid-sized with a of 210 feet (64 ), a beam of 44 feet (13 ), and a draft of 17 feet (5.2 ). The vessel features a hull designed for global oceanographic operations. Its measures 1,701, with a displacement of 2,100 tons, providing stability for extended voyages. The ship accommodates up to 25 scientists and a of 31 to 33 members, including dedicated spaces and storage areas to support prolonged research missions. These facilities enable comprehensive scientific work, such as sample analysis and equipment handling, without frequent resupply. With an endurance of 45 days at sea, was optimized for independent operations in remote oceanic regions. The vessel's International Maritime Organization (IMO) number is 5029752, assigned upon its construction in 1963. This identifier tracks its history through various ownership phases following decommissioning from research duties.

Propulsion and capabilities

The RV Atlantis II was originally powered by a steam turbine system upon its launch in 1963, but underwent a significant refit in 1979 that converted it to diesel propulsion, which reduced operating costs and extended its operational range. The diesel setup consisted of two General Motors 12-567E engines delivering a combined 2,000 shaft horsepower, connected via reduction gears and variable-speed hydraulic clutches to twin-screw propellers with three fixed bronze blades each. This configuration provided reliable power for extended oceanographic missions, with the addition of an 800 horsepower bow thruster in later upgrades to enhance maneuvering precision during deployments. The vessel achieved a maximum speed of 13.5 knots and a cruising speed of 11 to 12 knots, optimized for on long-duration voyages. Its fuel capacity of 90,000 gallons supported an endurance of 45 days and a range of approximately 9,000 nautical miles at cruising speed, enabling transoceanic research cruises without frequent resupply. These performance metrics underscored the ship's suitability for demanding at-sea operations in varied weather conditions. For research capabilities, the Atlantis II featured specialized deck machinery, including a 20-ton marine crane and an 18-ton hydraulic installed in 1983 for launching and recovering deep-sea and heavy instruments. Winch systems supported instrument deployment, with a trawl handling up to 30,000 feet of 1/2-inch cable and a CTD accommodating 27,000 feet of 0.303-inch cable or 30,000 feet of 3/16-inch wire for hydrographic profiling. The ship included bathymetric tools such as echo sounders for seabed mapping, integrated into its standard oceanographic suite. Laboratory facilities comprised a 400-square-foot for immediate sample processing and four dry labs totaling 3,500 square feet for analytical work, alongside a dedicated 28-by-13-foot for storage and maintenance, providing ample deck space for multidisciplinary experiments. Navigation systems included for surface tracking, for underwater detection, and a long-baseline acoustic positioning to support precise operations. Safety features emphasized stability in rough seas, with the vessel's 44-foot beam and 17-foot draft contributing to its all-weather design, complemented by holding tanks for sewage management during extended deployments.

Operational history with WHOI

Early years (1963–1983)

The RV Atlantis II entered service with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) in March 1963, following its arrival in Woods Hole on February 1 of that year, and quickly established itself as the institution's flagship research vessel. Its inaugural cruise departed from Woods Hole for Bermuda, marking the beginning of a series of expeditions focused on physical, chemical, and biological oceanography across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Early operations emphasized broad marine science investigations, with the vessel serving as a platform for collecting data on ocean currents, water chemistry, and marine ecosystems during routine voyages from its primary base in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Key activities during this period included studies and deep-sea sampling, contributing to foundational understandings of geological and biological processes in remote oceanic regions. For instance, the vessel's second cruise in April 1963 was redirected to assist in the search for the sunken USS Thresher, where it conducted deep-sea photography and sampling east of , providing the first visual evidence of the submarine wreckage and earning a commendation from the U.S. Navy. As a member of the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) fleet, Atlantis II facilitated international collaborations by accommodating scientists from various institutions on shared cruises, enabling coordinated research efforts worldwide. These deployments often involved worldwide transits, such as its first round-the-world voyage in 1965, which expanded WHOI's global research footprint. Over the two decades from 1963 to 1983, completed more than 200 scientific cruises, accumulating hundreds of thousands of miles and playing a pivotal role in advancing WHOI's oceanographic program through diverse expeditions that integrated multidisciplinary teams. Challenges included adapting to evolving oceanographic technologies, such as early towed arrays and sampling gear, culminating in a major 1979 refit that converted its propulsion from steam to diesel, enhancing efficiency, range, and operational flexibility for future global deployments. This period solidified the vessel's reputation for versatility in supporting pioneering marine research without yet specializing in submersible operations.

Alvin support operations (1984–1996)

In 1983, RV Atlantis II underwent significant modifications during a mid-life refit to serve as the dedicated support vessel for the DSV Alvin submersible, including the installation of a large crane at the stern for launch and recovery operations, as well as a reinforced launch platform to accommodate the submersible's handling and storage. These upgrades transformed the vessel into an integrated platform capable of deploying Alvin in deep-water environments, enabling coordinated missions across the Atlantic, Pacific, and oceans. The modifications were tested in harbor trials near Woods Hole in 1984, confirming the reliability of the system for safe submersible operations. From 1984 to 1996, Atlantis II provided essential surface support for Alvin missions, facilitating hundreds of dives focused on hydrothermal vent exploration, seafloor mapping, and deep-sea biological sampling. The vessel's routine involved positioning over dive sites, monitoring Alvin's real-time communications, and managing recovery in challenging sea conditions, often recovering samples such as rock cores, biological specimens, and water for geochemical analysis. For instance, during Voyage 125 from 1989 to 1992, Atlantis II supported 367 Alvin dives, demonstrating its capacity for extended campaigns in remote oceanic regions. Data collection from these operations included high-resolution imagery and sensor readings to map seafloor topography and monitor vent fluid chemistry. Atlantis II's support enabled key contributions to understanding and marine , particularly through Alvin's investigations of systems. In 1984, dives from the vessel led to the discovery of cold-water vent communities on the West Florida Escarpment and black smoker chimneys at the and Gorda Ridges, revealing novel chemosynthetic life forms adapted to extreme pressures and temperatures. Subsequent expeditions, such as those to the Guaymas Basin and in the late 1980s and early 1990s, advanced knowledge of hydrothermal processes driving tectonic spreading and supported studies of vent-associated species, including tube worms and microbial mats. These efforts highlighted the role of deep-sea vents in global geochemical cycles and dynamics. The crew of Atlantis II received specialized training for submersible handling, emphasizing precise maneuvering during launches and recoveries amid swells up to several meters, as well as emergency protocols for Alvin's surface returns. Logistics included stockpiling expendable weights (up to 75,000 pounds per cruise) for Alvin's ballast and maintaining onboard labs for immediate sample processing, ensuring seamless integration between surface and submersible teams during multi-week deployments. This expertise allowed operations in diverse conditions, from calm tropical waters to stormy high-latitude sites.

Notable expeditions

Record-setting voyages

The RV Atlantis II undertook a notable global from October 1975 to May 1977, departing and returning to . This expedition lasted 573 days at sea and covered approximately 80,000 nautical miles, traversing all major ocean basins and establishing a record for the longest voyage by distance among (WHOI) vessels at the time. The mission focused on marine research and engineering projects, including oceanographic studies that supported broader scientific objectives such as geophysical surveys and international collaborations. Over its 33-year career with WHOI, the accumulated 8,115 days at sea and 1,006,912 nautical miles traveled, visiting every major ocean basin—a cumulative record unmatched by any other in the institution's fleet. These extensive operations highlighted the vessel's reliability for prolonged expeditions, enabling buoy deployments, geophysical surveys, and deep-sea studies that advanced global oceanographic knowledge. Another record-setting journey occurred from December 1989 to June 1992, a 44-leg cruise comprising 575 days at sea, 894 days away from Woods Hole, and 73,907 nautical miles covered, which set WHOI benchmarks for duration away from port and consecutive days at sea. During the and , the ship also completed multiple cruises exceeding 100 days, dedicated to deep-sea research initiatives that underscored its endurance for extended scientific missions.

Titanic discovery expedition

The 1986 Titanic expedition, led by Dr. Robert D. Ballard of the (WHOI), marked the first manned exploration of the RMS Titanic wreck following its initial discovery the previous year. Departing from , on July 9, 1986, aboard RV Atlantis II, the mission was funded by the U.S. Navy's and Office of Naval Technology to test advanced deep-sea imaging technologies, including the remotely operated vehicle as part of the /Jason system. The expedition focused on non-invasive documentation of the site, adhering to Ballard's commitment to treat the wreck as a rather than a salvage target, with no treasure hunting permitted. RV Atlantis II served as the primary surface support vessel, coordinating operations for the submersible Alvin and towed imaging systems over the 13-day cruise, which concluded with a return to Woods Hole on July 28. The ship facilitated 11 dives by Alvin, enabling pilots and scientists to descend to the wreck at approximately 12,500 feet (3,800 meters) in the North Atlantic, about 400 miles southeast of Newfoundland. Key events included the first Alvin dive on July 14, during which Ballard and pilots confirmed the ship's broken structure, capturing close-up views of the bow, bridge, and debris field using onboard cameras and the ANGUS wide-area mapping system. Subsequent dives employed Jason Jr. to venture into the wreck's interior via openings like the grand staircase, providing real-time video feeds relayed to Atlantis II for analysis. The expedition yielded the first detailed color photographs and video footage of the Titanic, documenting thousands of images of artifacts such as dishes, suitcases, and rusticles—microbial formations encrusting the hull—while mapping the extensive debris field. These outcomes advanced deep-sea by demonstrating the feasibility of robotic and tools for preserving underwater without physical disturbance, though no samples were collected to honor the site's status as a gravesite. A plaque inscribed with a to the victims was placed on the stern during one dive. By publicizing the findings through documentaries and publications, the mission significantly heightened global awareness of and the ethical challenges of deep-sea sites, influencing policies against commercial salvage and inspiring future non-invasive research programs. The Atlantis II's role exemplified its capabilities in supporting Alvin operations, as refined during prior WHOI missions.

Decommissioning and subsequent career

Retirement and sale

After 33 years of service with the (WHOI), RV Atlantis II was retired in 1996, marking the end of its tenure as a . The decision stemmed from the ship's aging infrastructure, which was increasingly unable to meet the demands of modern deep submergence operations, and the arrival of a larger, more advanced replacement vessel, the 274-foot RV , launched on February 1, 1996. By the time of retirement, Atlantis II had completed 468 cruises, accumulating 8,115 days at sea and sailing a total of 1,006,912 nautical miles while visiting 112 ports across 78 nations. The decommissioning process began with a farewell ceremony at WHOI's Woods Hole facility on July 22, 1996, attended by over 600 people, followed by the ship's final departure from the pier on July 23, 1996, bound for a shipyard in Louisiana. There, final maintenance was conducted, including the removal of specialized equipment such as the stern A-frame, which was transferred to the new RV Atlantis to support ongoing submersible operations. This marked the conclusion of Atlantis II's active role in WHOI's fleet after thousands of expeditions that advanced oceanographic science. Following decommissioning, was sold later that year to Shaula Navigation, a private U.S. firm based in , with approval from the ; it was renamed Antares with plans to repurpose it for fisheries research in the and . However, the vessel soon became inactive, remaining idle and decaying in New Orleans for several years. At WHOI, was honored for its legacy as a pioneering workhorse that facilitated groundbreaking discoveries, including support for the Alvin submersible's explorations of the ocean floor.

Private ownership and refit

Following its sale by the in 1996 and renaming to , the vessel was laid up in New Orleans, , where it remained inactive for nearly a decade amid legal disputes over ownership. The vessel, originally intended for fisheries research in the Pacific and by its initial private buyer, faced prolonged inactivity and deterioration during this period. In 2006, the ship was acquired by Gordon Hunsucker, owner of Outlander Expeditions, a company focused on adventure travel and exploration, preventing its sale for scrap metal. Under Hunsucker's ownership, Atlantis II underwent a major refit starting in late 2006 at a shipyard in the Bahamas, lasting approximately eight months and costing around $3 million. The overhaul transformed the vessel from a dedicated research ship into an expedition yacht, with updates including complete rebuilds of the engine spaces, pumps, electronics, and wheelhouse; repainting in white and black; and interior modifications to accommodate up to 32 staterooms for guests and crew. Some scientific features, such as diving support capabilities for up to 26 divers with air tanks and regulators, were retained to enable marine operations. The refitted Atlantis II was re-christened on July 18, 2007, in Freeport Harbour, , marking its readiness for new roles in marine archaeology, expeditions, private charters, and tourism-focused voyages. By 2009, the vessel had been relocated to , where it occasionally undertook charters, including trips to . However, financial difficulties led to its seizure by federal marshals in November 2017 at Shipyards due to over $300,000 in unpaid dockage and maintenance fees. In July 2018, a U.S. District Court ordered a public of the vessel to satisfy the debts, though efforts by the and supporters sought a private buyer to preserve its historical value. The outcome of the and the vessel's status thereafter remain undocumented in public records as of 2025.

References

  1. https://www.dla.whoi.edu/ships/c595abae-aaa3-4737-b633-e743592ebdec
  2. https://www.whoi.edu/press-room/news-release/retirement-of-research-vessel-atlantis-ii-marks-the-end-of-an-era/
  3. https://website.whoi.edu/deeptow/research/rv-atlantis-ii/
  4. https://www.whoi.edu/ocean-learning-hub/multimedia/atlantis-ii/
  5. https://www.whoi.edu/oceanus/feature/a-long-voyage-to-get-a-new-ship/
  6. https://www.whoi.edu/oceanus/feature/farewell-to-the-knorr/
  7. https://dlaweb.whoi.edu/ships/atlII.html
  8. https://archives.mblwhoilibrary.org/repositories/2/archival_objects/16521
  9. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA125943.pdf
  10. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/html/tr/AD0648241/index.html
  11. https://www.yachtbuyer.com/en/fleet/atlantis-ii-209-maryland-shipbuilding
  12. http://dlaweb-dev.whoi.edu/repositories/2/archival_objects/71852
  13. https://www.whoi.edu/mary-sears/
  14. https://www.vesselfinder.com/vessels/details/5029752
  15. https://www.unols.org/sites/default/files/198705arcmi.pdf
  16. https://www.unols.org/sites/default/files/199106arcmi.pdf
  17. https://www.unols.org/ships-facilities/unols-vessels/historical-list-all-unols-vessels
  18. https://www.whoi.edu/ocean-learning-hub/multimedia/v-history-of-whoi-ships/
  19. https://www.whoi.edu/what-we-do/explore/underwater-vehicles/hov-alvin/history-of-alvin/
  20. https://www.unols.org/sites/default/files/atlantis_2.pdf
  21. https://www.whoi.edu/ocean-learning-hub/ocean-topics/ocean-human-lives/underwater-archaeology/rms-titanic/1986-return-to-the-rms-titanic/
  22. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/07/28/The-research-vessel-Atlantis-II-laden-with-a-bounty/5198522907200/
  23. https://www.nytimes.com/1986/07/15/science/manned-sub-descends-to-view-the-titanic.html
  24. https://www.nytimes.com/1986/07/09/us/scientists-ready-to-return-to-titanic.html
  25. https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/news/1996/07/22/woods-hole-s-atlantis-ii/50634250007/
  26. http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/news/Research_vessel_Atlantis_II_re-christened_in_Freeport_Harbour_and_ready_for_service.shtml
  27. https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/2009/03/14/refurbished-atlantis-ii-ready-for-service-again/15992817007/
  28. http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/news/Atlantis_II_returns_to_Woods_Hole_after_11_years.shtml
  29. https://www.buyexploreryachts.com/210expedition-research-vessel-for-sale-atlantis.html
  30. https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2018/jul/16/ship-that-helped-explore-wreck-of-the-titanic-ordered-auctioned/
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