Abstract: An apparatus for recovering a core from an undersea formation. A coring tool adapted for being connected to a drill string includes a coring bit for recovering the core from the undersea formation. A catcher has a closed state for sealing the core in the coring tool. A retainer retains the collapsible catcher in an open state, and an actuator applies suction to the coring tool. The applied suction serves to move the retainer to allow the catcher to collapse for capturing the core, such as by releasing flexible fingers of the core catcher from a telescoping liner associated with the retainer. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured for undersea use, such as for penetrating a seabed for forming a borehole therein, including with optional data acquisition and logging capabilities. A first or base module (12) of the apparatus is adapted for engaging the seabed. A first elevator (16) provides longitudinal movement of a second or upper module (14) relative to the base module (12) along a drilling axis. The relative movement of the upper and base modules may be used in the course of independently moving first (18) and second (20) rotary units along the drilling axis to cause a drill rod (R) and a drill casing (C) to penetrate the seabed such that the collapse of the borehole is avoided.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured for undersea use, such as for penetrating a seabed for forming a borehole therein, including with optional data acquisition and logging capabilities. A first or base module (12) of the apparatus is adapted for engaging the seabed. A first elevator (16) provides longitudinal movement of a second or upper module (14) relative to the base module (12) along a drilling axis. The relative movement of the upper and base modules may be used in the course of independently moving first (18) and second (20) rotary units along the drilling axis to cause a drill rod (R) and a drill casing (C) to penetrate the seabed such that the collapse of the borehole is avoided.