The Northern Neck of Virginia Shipwreck Survey
Diving operations
February- March 2007
In discussions with the Virginia Canal and Navigation Society we have tentatively began the first phase of researching the shipwreck of a steamboat identified as "Nellie". The "Nellie" operated on Staunton River (aka Roanoke River) during the 1880's. From the source materials this steamer was extreme shallow draught 14", her length overall was 85 feet and her beam width was 14 feet. From source data we have ascertained that the "Nellie" was first on the river around the 1880's under an agreement with her owner Charles Bruce of Staunton Hill and the Railroad. This may have been the Richmond and Danville Railroad. Under the agreement as well she also ran frieght from the Landing at Randolph Virginia to Brookneal Virginia for the Roanoke Navigation Company.
She was a "teapot" steamer in other words when seen her boiler was compared to a teapot. The recon for this investigation witll begin at the westerly most boundary which is Brookneal and the easterly most boundary to include the landing at Staunton River State Park on the Kerr Resivoir.
Dive Operations:
This is going to be primarily a shallow water dive set in a river that has undergone many changes with the advent of dams, and development along the shorelines. The topography is best described as "Piedmont" and many will find as we begin our search to be out of the norm. The nearest re-supply for SCUBA Air will be Richmond . So there will be an opportunity for divers who have not had the opportunity to dive using surface air (hookah).. Using this device divers are required to carry "bailout bottles" minimum of 50 cu ft bottle. . This will also be an opportunity for divers whom have not to date had an opportunity to use handheld sonar, and underwater metal detectors to do so.
As well we have discussed with the VCNS additional tasks such as locations of significant interest to the VCNS and ofcourse to VADHR . Diver tasking will be principally from the research model we will post on our group website in the documents section.
Special Note:
This investigation will involve possibly overnight stays on the river and/or operating from a basecamp setup. These details will be worked out on our first preliminary site inspection and river study on next Wednesday at the Brookneal Landing. We will also be attempting to conduct further achive research and develop local contacts.
Phases of our investigation will involve the following:
1- Locate a suitable location for setup of a base of operations at the POB (Point of Beginning Brookneal Virginia.
2- Further archive research
3- A visual inspection of the river topography and trafficablility
For more information look on our website and be sure to check your email for the Youtube videos that will cover the discussion of the expedition in further depth.
Special Note:
This particular dive operation will be under some different operational protocols. For instance there is one motel in the area. Therefore we will be opting for base camp setup. This means those of you who wish to rough it as the distances from the POB to a nearby campground facility are quite abit. Therefore we will attempt in each sector to locate an area and location with the local landowner to setup our base for that sector which will offer a place to camp, no campfires, we will be using campstoves and lanterns, Tent arrangement will be the base camp tent (sleeps 10) a popup shelter (10x10) for cooking and meetings and adjacent sleeping facilites are family style dome and cabin tents that I have available to those who do not possess camping equipment. We will be furnishing as well a portable toilet that will be kept clean . Sleeping bags and sleeping pads . Ensolite works very well . There will also be a portable generator for making electricity and allowing those who need power for computers and charging SCUBA Scooters, Camera batteries and the like
Boat Operations:
Primarily these will be from project inflatable .(Equipped with 25 hp motor)
Additional explorations will be by kayak or jon boat equipped with outboard motor.
The Northern Neck of Virginia Shipwreck Survey
