(Moskova, 01/04/2008)

The Russian Ministry of Marine Archeology announced today an expedition to search for the sunken remains of a motor vessel used to test a possible rail-water connection between Asia and North America, circa 1901. Definitive tests have shown that the submersible ship, which was designed to travel below the frozen Bering Straight, sits on the floor of Gar-Den Harbor in Kamchatka.

Several submersibles were built for American tycoon Edward Harriman’s effort to link the continents. Harriman was to build his Overland Route rail line to Nome, Alaska, while the Czarists were to extend their Trans-Siberian line to Gar-Den. The so-called Gar-Den Nome Subdivision was to be entirely operated under water and pack-ice. Several prototype submarines were built by the McKeen Car Company of Omaha. Contrary to myth, they were not painted Armour Yellow, but Romanoff Blue. Hence their Russian nickname, the “Blu McKeenies.”

Harriman’s plans are not completely known to historians. A connection to the Mancherian Railway many have been a candidate. Perhaps more will be learned once the historic vessel is raised. That, however, may prove to be expensive as the location is quite remote. Says Chief Archeologist, John Leninist, of Kamchatka, “it’s a real nowhere land.” To donate to the mission, please send your credit card information, social security number and bank passwords to: Serge.Bebber@LHCB.ru.