From: (DanielAquilina@jmganado.com)
To: (cormac.boomer@nt|world.com)
Cc: (dbMu|lan@indigo.ie)
Sent: 06 August 2001 17:51
Subject: Search Opportunity
Dear Cormac,
I have met an old friend of mine who is now pretty successful in his work and is being awarded several contracts to trace old World War II wrecks on the Maltese seabed. He has been following our story and is interested in helping out. He is willing to help us on a costs-as-borne basis without any profit making element.
He is equipped with equipment of the latest technology. Last time the equipment would simply scan the seabed and mark lines on a chart when there was some irregular pattern. This guy is equipped with state-of-the-art submersibles which film all that is going on (like Titanic if you have watched the movie) and you can see everything from on board the vessel. The Divers, therefore, will be spared the hassle of going down to considerable depths only to find lost containers, huge sand dunes etc. They would only go down there when we actually see what we want to see. I have warned that the plane may have never left and we could find nothing. I also warned that the wreckage (if any) could have been placed there at a later stage. he has no problem with that. The guy also has a team of expert divers ready to help us out. This is probably our last chance to do this and though there is a great chance that we will find nothing, I think it is worth one last go at it. Some evidence could be found which could throw some more light on this mystery.
I do intend getting the Maltese Govt. involved in helping with costs since this could lead to a situation, like last time, where the Maltese Govt. would dictate where, when and how to conduct the search.
The costs would not be too high; just costs for equipment and divers and their meals etc. and the chartering of the boat (maybe the Princess Duda again since owner knew Matthew and will give a good price) for a couple of days. I was wondering whether the Irish and British Govts. in your view, would be willing to give a small contribution to the costs of this operation. Also, from the Private sphere, maybe through Don Mullan's contacts, we could give exclusive rights to a TV crew to film the search and maybe contribute in respect of costs being borne.
I have to meet the chap in the coming days so please give me your comments etc.
Thanks & Brgds,
Daniel
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