Dr. Robert Ballard stands on the deck of the NOAA research vessel Ronald H. Brown on May 31 and notes the threatening sky just prior to launching the Hercules ROV (background). Swells approaching 12 feet in height hampered launch and recovery maneuvers.
Swells Hamper Recovery
Image courtesy of Bert Fox © National Geographic Society. Download image (jpg, 78 KB).

Dr. Robert Ballard stands on the deck of the NOAA research vessel Ronald H. Brown on May 31 and notes the threatening sky just prior to launching the Hercules ROV (background). Swells approaching 12 feet in height hampered launch and recovery maneuvers.