At its widest point, the Strait of Gibraltar is about eight miles wide and 2,624 feet deep. But in spite of these factors, it was necessary for the ship to slow to a crawl. Its forward sonar was used to map the bottom for any changes in depth, and course corrections were made for the ocean floor's terrain as well as tidal changes. Although we were in friendly waters, all precautions were made to ensure the safety of the ship and her crew. Once the ship made its way through the Strait of Gibraltar and into the deeper waters of the Mediterranean, we all felt a sudden forward tug. After feeling a bit alarmed, we were told that the Captain had ordered to proceed at half speed. The next day found us at the island of Crete just south of Greece.
The Ross was moored in at the naval station at Sou
