Method and system for manipulating an object located underwater

A system for lifting an object disposed proximate an underwater floor, where the density of the underwater floor can support a compressive load, the system comprising:

• a) a lifting frame extending between a first foundation portion and a second foundation portion, the lifting frame having a first end adapted for mounting on the underwater floor and further having a second end adapted for mounting on the underwater floor, the lifting frame further comprising at least one object lifting support member;
• b) a multiplicity of slings mounted adjacent to each other, each of the slings further comprising:
• i) a first end attached to the object lifting support member;
• ii) a second end attached to the object lifting support member;
• iii) a top surface facing away from the underwater floor;
• and
• iv) a padding material mounted proximate the top surface of each sling.
• c) wherein
• i) each of the slings is suspended in a cradle-shaped configuration from the lifting frame and
• ii) the padding material is disposed intermediate the object and the sling.

A method of manipulating an object that is at least partially underwater with an apparatus comprising a lifting frame comprising a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member, and first and second lifting frame ends adapted for mounting on a foundation;

• and at least one sling adapted to receive padding material;
• the method comprising:
• a) positioning the lifting frame proximate an object to be retrieved from an underwater floor;
• b) securing one end of the at least one sling onto the first longitudinal member of the lifting frame;
• c) positioning the at least one sling under the object to be retrieved, the at least one sling further positioned adjacent to at least one other sling;
• d) retrieving a free end of the least one sling from under the object to be retrieved;
• e) securing the free end of the at least one sling onto the second longitudinal member of the lifting frame;
• f) disposing padding material intermediate the object and the at least one sling;
• g) conforming a predetermined amount of padding material to the object;
• h) tensioning the at least one sling;
• and
• i) raising the object by raising the lifting frame.