SAVANNAH, Ga. -- Navy divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2 and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 6 raised the first of four remaining cannons from the CSS Georgia, July 15. (Watch the three-minute video below or click
here.)
This marked the first day the cannon, a “six-pounder,” which weighs nearly 1,000 pounds, has been above the river’s surface since the vessel was scuttled in 1864. The term six-pounder refers to the weight of the cannonball fired from the weapon.
Divers expect to begin recovery of the remaining three cannons this week and will continue to raise assorted machinery and sections of the armored “casemate” throughout the summer.
The overall recovery of the ironclad is the first phase in the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project, or
SHEP, which will deepen the river from 42 to 47 feet, extend its length by seven miles, widen three bends and add two meeting areas to better accommodate larger ships.
This video was produced and edited by Jeremy S. Buddemeier, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District. Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jesse A. Hyatt contributed reporting.