Dive Cancelled Due to Rough Seas

On December 16, distant storms were impacting R/V Atlantis from two directions — one from the north in the Bay of Alaska and one from the east in the Gulf of Tehuantepec. The sea swells were more than 10 feet, and the winds were a sustained 30 knots. Such conditions make it unsafe to put Alvin in the water. Pat Hickey, Alvin Expedition Leader, had been scheduled to pilot the sub for scientific observers Liz McCliment and Andrea Nussbaumer. Later that day, R/V Atlantis set sail for a dive site at 13°N.