Photo's and text from the Imperial War Museum's
Photo Series A1348 - A1369
One method of sweeping for
moored mines is to tow a sweep wire between two ships, the
wires being kept down to the desired depth by means of kites.
These photo's show the sweep wire being passed from HMS Hazard
to HMS Hebe (J24).
Another method of sweeping
for moored mines is be means of the oropesa sweep. This is a
single ship sweep and can be used as a single or double sweep.
The sweep wire is again kept down to the required depth by
means of the kite, the wire being kept out from the ship by
means of a 'kite otter', attached to which is the oropesa
float. (A1349 and A1350)
Here is the
oropesa float being got out from HMS Hazard.
being hoisted in.
otter being hoisted in.
being hoisted in on board HMS Hazard, note the two groups of
sailors pulling the ropes to bring the boat on board. She is
just up and falls are about to be secured.