It is a prototype for modern submarines. Also, divers clearing the path for the suction pilings that will hold the lifting truss found a U-shaped clamp over the weekend on the ocean floor near the end of the spar. Neyland says it looks like a device that, on wooden ships, would hold two spars together. Scientists have no idea, however, whether the artifact is part of the Hunley or came from some other ship. If it is part of the Hunley, it could be part of the spar's support system.
Archaeologists have about a week's worth of work left on mapping the sub's exterior.
In that time, Neyland says the recovery team will try to work out its crane barge problems. On Friday, the crane barge that the team planned to use to set the suction pilings and lift the sub acted a little too wobbly at sea to use. While they hunt for another seagoing crane barge, they are going to give the first crane another shot. Neyland said they will try a different anchoring system and will ballast it more. If those adjustments don't help, they will get a new crane.