Navy Divers Describe Dangers at Bridge

Navy Divers Describe Dangers at Bridge

Excerpt:

Some of the 24 Navy divers spoke Wednesday for the first time about the two weeks they spent gingerly searching the dark waters where the bridge collapsed Aug. 1, killing 13 people. The last body of those known to be missing was found Monday.

Wearing lead-weighted rubber boots, leather gloves and a protective layer over their wet suits, the divers worked in teams of two. One moved debris, using hydraulic tools to perform jobs such as opening up a crushed car to check for bodies. The other diver handed over tools and stood watch in case anything went wrong.

"The concrete covers up everything, and (it's) very heavy. You don't know what's stable and what's not," Bennett said.

Divers had to fight the current, working with the lock and dam operator upstream to control the river's flow.


Comment: Interesting read. Not sure why this was not in the Star Tribune too (or perhaps I missed it!). You have to appreciate the skills and dedication of this team! Image from Kare11.com

President Thanks Navy Divers for Minneapolis Bridge Relief Efforts

Excerpt:

President George W. Bush thanked the divers of Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 on Aug. 21 for their hard work during search and recovery operations at the site of the Interstate 35 bridge collapse here.

President Bush arrived at the 934th Air Reserve Base aboard Air Force One. Following a briefing on the search and recovery operations with state and federal officials, Bush was escorted to a hangar bay where he met with the divers. He shook hands with each diver, thanking them for their efforts and service.

“Thank you also for your prayers and the compassion you’ve shown to the families (these past few weeks),” President Bush told the divers.

President Bush also posed for a group photo, holding a dive helmet that his father, former President George H. W. Bush also held in a group photo with another MDSU detachment in 1992. Bush then gave each of the divers a presidential challenge coin before departing, followed by a hearty “Hoo-Yah America!” from the group.