Boats / Sailing / Ships

Sep. 09, 1955 - NavyÃø€â„øs Trials Cruiser Returns to Britain. Anti atomic warfare test have been carried out off Malta by the British trials cruiser Cumberland, which arrived today at Devonport (Sept. 28). Photo Shows: - Water sprays fitted around the ship thoroughly washing the decks and superstructure, a method of protection, which would be used in war to keep ships free of radioactive particles. This method of protection, known as Ãø€œpre-wettingÃø€, would be employed in ships operating in the Ãø€œfall-outÃø€ area or on the outer fringe of a region affected by an atomic explosion. It involves the continual washing of all weather surfaces of the ship during and after exposure. Experiments have shown that fission matter is less likely to adhere to a surface while itÃø€â„øs subjected to a system of salt water washdown. While the system is operating, the shipÃø€â„øs company remains under cover, and continues to control weapons and Ãø€œconÃø€ the ship from between decks. All openings are closed and would remain so until conditions on the upper deck had been ascertained by geiger- counter. An officer concerned with the technical problems of Ãø€œpre-wettingÃø€ has stated Ãø€œOur aim was to produce a local rain storm exceeding the heaviest tropical downpourà (Credit Image: © Keystone Pictures USA/ZUMAPRESS.com)