Chat Ed : Right. Let's get cracking shall we? Welcome David!
David Mearns : Hello to everybody who is interested in the Hood search expedition.
Smithy : What exactly are you hoping to achieve with this expedition?
David Mearns : We have a number of objectives. The first being we are interested in re-telling the history of HMS Hood and using the expedition as a focal point for that history. The idea is to use first hand testimony and accounts from people who served on Hood including Ted Briggs - the sole living survivor, to tell about the long history of service that Hood gave to Britain. We are also interested in trying to solve the questions about how Hood actually sank and why she sank so quickly. This involves a forensic investigation using video cameras to identify specific areas of damage. Equally important, we will be placing on the site a memorial plaque on behalf of the HMS Hood Association that includes a digital honour roll of the names of all the persons who died serving on her.
Claire : How much will this expedition cost?
David Mearns : The approximate budget that C4 has established for the project is two million pounds.
silas : how deep is the hood currently?
David Mearns : We expect to find Hood in water depths just below 3000 metres.
Ian O : Is anyone apart from Channel 4 sponsoring the expedition?
David Mearns : No, Channel 4 is the only sponsor, however we do have Government approval from the MOD and also letters of support from the HMS Hood Association and the Royal British Legion and the Royal Naval Association.
titanic : Hi David! How's the search progressing then, and how do you rate your chances?
David Mearns : We are still mobilising the search vessel so it has not yet started. I am very confident is being able to locate the wreck.
Smokie : Given the enormous loss of life experienced, will the Hoods resting place be respected as a sea grave if found?
David Mearns : Yes... Hood is not only a sea grave it is a war grave protected by the 1986 Act for the Protection of Material Remains. Our expedition has been based on a strict 'look, but don't touch' basis. Our work will be done with the utmost respect and sensitivity for the wreck itself, those that died on her and the surviving relations.
shippy : So what inspired you to undertake this expedition?
Ian O : When did the idea for the expedition occur? How long has it taken to prepare?
David Mearns : The idea came to me immediately after my expedition to locate the Derbyshire in 1994. Initially my interest in Hood was just curiosity but when I mentioned to people my interest in finding her it had an immediate effect. It has been the enthusiasm of many others who have kept me going on this quest over the past six years.
martin : my father served on HMS Hood in the 1930S' in the gunnery department. He always maintained that a lack of flash doors in the turret was mainly responsible for the explosion of the magazines. what do you think?
David Mearns : I am not a naval architect and we will have one on board who will look specifically at these questions. But my non-expert opinion is that it could have been a possibility that the situation you raised could have contributed to the explosion.
Andrew Brindley : Given the fact that she went down in two pieces, how is that going to affect your search?
David Mearns : In an unusual way it actually makes the search easier. Because the two pieces and the debris that would be found between the two pieces represents an overall larger target for our sonar, than had Hood sank in just one piece.
miss sweet : have their been any objections to your plans from relatives?
David Mearns : We have had overwhelming support for the expedition. There have been a very small number of objections, mainly to do with concerns about disturbing the wreck. As we have promised not to touch Hood, we feel that we are doing everything possible to respect the feelings of concerned relatives.
Ian O : Is there any danger of 'grave robbing' from less responsible parties once the location is known?
David Mearns : First, we have no plans to make the position public. Also, in my personal opinion, the likelihood of grave robbing on Hood is nil. In many ways Hood cannot be compared with Titanic. Most important of all people must remember that she is a war grave, protected by the law which makes such grave robbing a criminal offence.
miss sweet : what is different about this expedition from previous expeditions?
David Mearns : Quite simply this is the first expedition to Hood. There have been no others.
DF : Do you need any special equipment for travelling where the water pressure is enough to crush a man's genitals? (OUCH)
Lee : David, what sort of equipment are you using on this search?
David Mearns chuckles
David Mearns : All the equipment we are using is rated for the great depths of Hood and is actually proven in water depths to twice that of Hood. The list of equipment is long, but in every case it is all state-of-the-art, with the ultimate objective of bringing back the best quality film and pictures of Hood.
Jose M Rico : Hello David, when is the actual expedition scheduled?
Kevin : how will the search start?..do you have a fair idea of the Hoods position ?
David Mearns : The search will begin next month. Greetings Jose, by the way :) - We are prepared to search an area that covers 600 square nautical miles. Which may sound to be an enormous area, but it is one that we can cover quite rapidly.
Belinda : what condition do you expect her to be in?
David Mearns : I do expect to find her in two pieces, at least. The area at the main mast to be heavily damaged. We expect the bough from the stem to the first funnel to be intact and graceful as ever.
Chat Ed : OK y'all - David has to run, so last two questions now, thanks....
Smithy : how can we follow the progress?
David Mearns : On the Channel 4 website.
Chat Ed : The URL for the site is http://www.channel4.com/hood folks.
Nocka White : NOCKA: Please give my very best wishes to Lt. Ted Briggs. Served with Him at Chatham Signal school and at Whitehall Wireless in the late 60's. Tell him he's looking very good. Ex. C.R.S. NOCKA WHITE.
titanic : Are there any other wrecks you're planning to find after this one?
David Mearns : Dear Nocka, I'll be seeing Ted tomorrow and will be most pleased to relay your kind regards and compliments. I have many ideas, titanic... but Hood has consumed all my energies for this past year, and I am not looking beyond her as yet.
Chat Ed : That's it! Thanks for coming David, that was fantastic. And thanks for all your questions, folks! Hope you all enjoyed it!
DF : thanks for talking David!
Claire : byeee david
Kevin : Best of luck! It is a war grave but sacrifice mustn't be forgotten
David Mearns : Thanks again for all your interest and support
Smokie : Thank you David, good luck!
David Mearns : What an interesting way to talk to you all.
David Mearns leaves the room
