Honorary Name: Salvina C.
Depth: -80 m
Date Located: June 19 2012
Description: The Egadi 9 ram was originally located during an ROV survey conducted in 2012. The ram was largely buried with its head pointed downward into sediment at about 45 degrees; only the back end of the ram was visible above the seabed. Rocky debris that surrounded the ram’s position was clearly the result of octopus activity over many years. In order to conduct a safe recovery of the ram, the area directly around the ram was excavated using a water jet mounted on the manipulator arm of the ROV. A hole was dug around the ram to a depth of 50 cm, clearing an area necessary to secure the lifting strap around the ram. The following day the R/V Hercules returned to the site and after completing a few final strap adjustments lifted the Egadi 9 to the surface.
Egadi 9 is decorated with a helmet surmounted by three feathers that is positioned on the upper portion of the cowl face. The helmet decoration is similar to those appearing on Egadi 7, 8, and 10. The inscription on the lower portion of the cowl face is also similar in form to those found on Egadi 7, 8, and 10, but will need to be cleaned before a full name can be ascertained.
