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What a Drag

June 3, 2014

A bright yellow sea anchor trails in the water as the huge A-frame and winch aboard research vessel Atlantis lift the human-occupied vehicle Alvin. Divers attached the sea anchor to Alvin after the sub came to the surface. When Atlantis starts towing Alvin toward it for recovery, the sea anchor flares out like the parachute. Its purpose is to slow the sub so it won’t run into the stern of Atlantis. Once Alvin is safely on deck, the sea anchor will be removed and prepared for the next day’s mission. (Photo by Chris Linder, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)