Atlantis II (1963 to 1996)

Atlantis II was named for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution's first research vessel. Long considered the flagship of the Institution's fleet, the ship traveled around the world and was involved with every type of ocean science investigation. Atlantis II was built in 1963 by Maryland Shipbuilding and Drydock Co., of Baltimore, MD. Atlantis II was designed by Bethlehem Steel Central Technical Dept., of Quincy, MA, and M. Rosenblatt and Son, NY. In 1979 Atlantis II underwent a major mid-life refit. The conversion of the vessels power source from steam to diesel reduced the vessel’s operating cost, increased its range of travel, and increased its selection of ports. In 1983 a deck hanger and A-frame were installed enabling her to handle the launch and recovery of the submersible Alvin. Atlantis II served as Alvin's tender from 1984 to 1996. Atlantis II concluded 34 years of service, over one million miles sailed for science, and more than 8,000 days at sea, a record unequaled by any research vessel. In 1996 she was delivered to Shaula Navigation, based in Boulder CO for rechristening as Antares and a planned new career as a fisheries reserach vessel in the North Pacific and Gulf of Alaska.