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MAY 12 1976
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Joe Deal,
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77
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BIKINI (CROSSROADS) SHIPS
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In recent years a number of scientists have expressed concern regard-
ing the potential ecological impact of the ships which lie at the bottom
of Bikini Lagoon. These ships, a variety of naval vessels in full
combat- ready condition, were sunk during Operation Crossroads in
1946 and have since remained undisturbed, although some of them were
visted by a motion picture production crew in 1973.
Officials of the Trust Territory administration have expressed concern
as have the people of Bikini.
In March 1976, during a visit to Bikini by
the United Nations Visting Mission, a spokesman for the People of
Bikini made a direct request that the ships be removed from their La-
goon. During the same visit, Mr. George Allen, attorney of record
for the People of Bikini, signified his intention to pursue the possibility
of a commercial salvage operation, with the People of Bikini as
beneficiaries.
Although the locations of the Bikini ships are fairly well known, little
is known about their condition, the desirability from an environmental
standpoint of salvage, or the probable timing of a potential release of
the contents (fuel, munitions, etc.) to the atoll environment. There
appears to be at least some evidence (from Truk Lagoon) that sunken
wrecks can be environmentally beneficial, or at least that leaving them
in place may represent the lesser of the evils.
This letter is occasioned by the potential availability, in the Marshall
Islands, of the capability to make a condition survey of the Bikini ships.
ERDA's Mid-Pacific Marine Laboratory at Enewetak is planning for the
use during July and August, 1977, of a small research submersible.
This submersible,
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