Sub-marine exploration in Crete, 1955

Abstract

In 1955 it was decided to transfer the School's undersea activity from Chios to Crete during the time that excavations on land were being continued at Knossos. The Greek Ministry of Education most generously granted permission for the School to carry on diving operations at selected points off the coast of Crete in co-operation with the Ephor of Antiquities, Dr. Nicolas Platon.The campaign lasted three weeks, from August 9th to 30th, with a party of ten volunteers under the leadership of John Leatham. The sites explored were chosen by Dr. Platon, who gave the party much of his time and interest, and made repeated visits to the places where they were working. The party had its headquarters in an empty house which belonged to the School's foreman, Manoli Markoyiannakis, conveniently situated upon the main road in the suburb of Poros (Katsamba) just east of Herakleion. This was used as a central depot, and the compressor for filling the aqualungs was established here. The work was unfortunately hampered throughout the three weeks by high seas owing to the prevailing north winds (Meltemia). It was difficult therefore to make great use of the aqualungs.