Johnson Sea Link accident

Johnson Sea Link accident refers to a tragic incident that occurred on June 17, 1973, involving the submersible Johnson Sea Link. The accident resulted in the death of two aquanauts and highlighted the risks associated with deep-sea exploration.

Background

The Johnson Sea Link was a submersible designed and built by Edwin A. Link, a pioneer in aviation and underwater archaeology. The submersible was part of the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution's fleet and was used for scientific research and exploration.

The Accident

On June 17, 1973, the Johnson Sea Link was conducting a dive near Key West, Florida, when it became entangled in the wreckage of the destroyer USS Fred T. Berry (DD-858). The submersible was unable to surface, trapping the four crew members at a depth of approximately 360 feet.

The trapped crew members included pilot Archibald Menzies, co-pilot Robert Meek, and aquanauts Edwin Clayton Link, son of the submersible's designer, and Albert Stover. Despite rescue efforts, Link and Stover ran out of air and perished before they could be rescued. Menzies and Meek survived by breathing from an emergency air supply.

Aftermath and Impact

The Johnson Sea Link accident led to significant changes in the design and operation of submersibles. It highlighted the need for improved safety measures, including better emergency air supplies and procedures for dealing with entanglement. The accident also led to increased scrutiny of the risks associated with deep-sea exploration.

See Also

• Deep-sea exploration
• Submersible accidents
• Edwin A. Link

References

• The Johnson Sea Link Accident: Lessons for the Future, by Michael G. Field
• Deep Descent: Adventure and Death Diving the Andrea Doria, by Kevin F. McMurray