When the research vessel Atlantis II was retired by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (W.H.O.I.) in 1996 the headlines read “…the end of an era”.

If only they could have seen the future!

Since arriving on the shores of its new home, Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas in late 2006, Atlantis II has undergone a major restoration and re-fit, indeed bringing her back to life.

At one time being the support vessel for the oceanographic submersible “Alvin”, Atlantis II is perhaps most famous for her role in assisting in the discovery and exploration of the Titanic in 1986. Now, after 70 days in dry dock she boasts a gleaming new paint job and is finally back in the water. Extensive refurbishments and renovations throughout the entire ship are almost complete. The only thing not being changed is the ship’s intricate operating equipment, as it is all still fully functional.

And, for the first time in the history of this epic ship she now proudly displays her name.   When Atlantis II was being built, another ship was being constructed at the same time in the same shipyard, and the names were mixed up by shipyard builders who welded “Atlantic Vision” in raised letters on the hull. Although “Atlantic Vision” was painted over with Atlantis II, her proper name, the erroneous old raised letters were never completely removed from the vessel until now.

With a rich 33-year history [ no other research vessel has covered as much of the ocean], the once ‘retired’ vessel is being renewed from stem to stern, and is looking world class once again. Atlantis II is very near ready for its next adventure.

Just wait – a NEW ERA is about to begin….

More history on the Atlantis II

Email contact for the Atlantis II Atlantis2@thebahamasweekly.com