Project Azorian, 1970s
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Project Azorian, 1970s
Project Azorian. Artwork showing the secret US operation carried out by the CIA to recover a sunken Soviet submarine in the 1970s. The Soviets had failed to find the submarine, which had sunk in 1968. The US then located it at a depth of nearly 5 kilometres in the north-western Pacific Ocean. The surface ship, the Hughes Glomar Explorer (HGE), is using a metal claw (called Clementine, yellow) to attempt to raise the Soviet submarine K-129 from the seabed into the berth underneath the ship. This was attempted in the period 1972 to 1975, but the claw failed and only the forward part of the submarine was recovered
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Media ID 6351301
© This illustration is protected by laws and international treaties, as well as other intellectual property la
1900s 1968 1970s 1975 Boat Cold War Engineering Espionage Maritime Military Nautical Naval Pacific Ocean Raising Recovering Sea Bed Secret Ship Soviet Spying Submarine Sunk Sunken Surface Vessel Wreck Classified Clementine Covert Salvaging Top Secret
EDITORS COMMENTS
This artwork captures the clandestine Project Azorian, a top-secret operation conducted by the CIA in the 1970s. The mission aimed to recover a sunken Soviet submarine that had eluded Soviet search efforts since its sinking in 1968. Located at an astonishing depth of nearly 5 kilometers in the north-western Pacific Ocean, this ill-fated vessel became the focus of an audacious salvage operation. In this illustration, we witness the mighty Hughes Glomar Explorer (HGE), a surface ship specially designed for covert maritime operations. Equipped with a remarkable metal claw named Clementine, depicted here in vibrant yellow, it attempts to raise the Soviet submarine K-129 from its watery grave and secure it within its berth beneath. Despite meticulous planning and groundbreaking technology employed during this daring endeavor between 1972 and 1975, only part of the submarine's forward section was successfully recovered due to unforeseen challenges. Nevertheless, Project Azorian stands as a testament to American engineering prowess and technological innovation during one of history's most intense periods—the Cold War. Through Claus Lunau's evocative artistry, we are transported into an era marked by secrecy and espionage on treacherous seas. This image serves as a reminder of humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge and power even amidst deep waters where secrets lie hidden—a true testament to our unwavering determination.
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