6-8-11

The TISIRI team had an exclusive voyage aboard the famous Atlantis II. The Atlantis II is most known for her involvement with discovery efforts of the RMS Titanic. See pictures of the voyage below.

The Atlantis II departed St. Johns Boat Company around 9am Wednesday morning. Prior to departure the vessel was loaded, prepared, and passengers were briefed in the ships dinning area. Capt Dave Allan described some safety procedures and instructed everyone to enjoy the day. Aboard the Atlantis II from TISIRI were Joe Kistel, Ed Kalakauskis, Larry Davis, and Nate Tucei.

While the ship was cruising along in the St Johns River heading towards the Atlantic Ocean the TISIRI team eagerly explored her. With over 30 state rooms, fitness equipment rooms, a galley and dinning area, a lounge, machine shops, dive lockers, and much more, it was impossible for the team to see it all. Larry Davis did his best to capture images of every area of the ship he was able to explore.

In no time at all the Atlantis II was passing by the Mayport Jetties and entering the Atlantic heading south east. Just as the vessel reached blue water a pod of dolphins began to follow her dancing in front of the ship's bulbous. Kistel and Tucei of TISIRI used the dolphin sightings as an excuse to go investigate the bulbous dome area in the very front portion of the ship. The bulbous on the Atlantis II has glass port holes that allow viewers to look out under water as the ship moves forward. Sure enough when they entered the the most forward and lowest compartment of the ship they found the glass port holes and could actually see the dolphins through the glass. Tucei and Kistel also claimed that they could hear the dolphin calls through the ship as walls.

With all the excitement the day was flying by for the TISIRI team. Just prior to noon the crew prepared a great lunch to fuel the TISIRI team for their afternoon dive efforts. A hour later, after some routine vessel maintenanced had been completed, Capt Allan positioned the Atlantis II to allow the TISIRI divers to enter the water. Divers Kistel, Kalakauskis, and Tucei executed a drift dive and investigated the underside of the Atlantis II while they were in the water. The divers claimed it was an eerie yet awesome feeling to be underneath such a large vessel. Once the dive was complete the TISIRI divers learned that it is much easier to enter the water off a large ship then to get back on. There was about a 4 foot ledge the divers had to over come and the seas turned the 4 foot ledge into an 8 foot ledge in between waves.

Once divers were back aboard Capt Allan headed back towards Mayport. The TISIRI team had a great time aboard the Atlantis II and enjoyed the opportunity to scuba dive off such a famous vessel. TISIRI greatly appreciates the Captain and crew for a great trip and the wonderful hospitality. Thanks!