CONISTON, Cumbria, UK (9 Mar 2001) -- Thirty-four years after Donald Campbell died trying to break his own world water speed record, divers have raised the wreck of the legendary Bluebird. Divers finally found the boat last year at a depth of 150 ft in Coniston Lake after searching for over four years. Campbell died on January 4, 1967 trying to break his own record of 276 mph when the Bluebird lifted off the surface of Coniston Lake and somersaulted several times before crashing and sinking. According to reports, Campbell's last words were, "A complete accident. No details. Over," shouted over a radio that linked Bluebird to the shore crew. His body was never found. "We just had to do it, wanted to lift the wreck and we've done it, and I'm pleased to say we've done it with the dignity and respect that it deserved," said Bill Smith, who led the dive salvage team. | | It has not yet been decided what will be done with the wreckage of Bluebird but Coniston museum officials have made it known they would like to exhibit the legendary vessel. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
