Somerset Couple Plan Deep-Sea Rescue of World War II Tractor
Tobias Wedgwood and Heather Bryson combine vintage tractor passion with scientific exploration in ambitious USS Hornet mission
A Somerset couple are planning a daring expedition to recover a vintage World War II tractor from the sunken USS Hornet, 17,500 feet beneath the Pacific Ocean.
Tobias Wedgwood, along with his partner Heather Bryson, runs the YouTube channel Father and Son Tractors, where they share their passion for vintage tractors. Wedgwood says the mission is driven as much by scientific discovery as the goal of retrieving the tractor itself.
“I felt really bad for the tractor just being sat down there,” Wedgwood said. “It’s well preserved, and while the silver lining is getting the tractor, the main focus is on deep-sea exploration, discovering new species, and studying how sunken ships act as artificial reefs.”
The tractor, a rare International Harvester model modified during the war to move aircraft, has become an unexpected focus of marine research. Wedgwood and Bryson have been in touch with Deep Ocean Search, a company known for remotely operated missions, including the ill-fated Titan sub rescue, to develop a recovery plan.
“This is a 49-day expedition from Singapore on a vessel equipped with a helipad,” Wedgwood explained. “It’s a massive undertaking, but an incredible opportunity for us to experience something of this magnitude.”
The estimated cost of the mission is around £6.5 million, which Wedgwood acknowledges is high but feasible thanks to philanthropic investors who have previously supported similar projects.
If successful, the tractor will be preserved in its current condition to maintain the historical integrity of the piece, with plans for it to be used for educational purposes at shows, museums, or charitable programs.
Wedgwood and Bryson’s passion for tractors extends beyond the mission. Their YouTube channel and podcast, Fun with Tractors, feature educational content, celebrity interviews, and community engagement projects. The couple also maintain a landscaped community space dedicated to mental health rehabilitation.
“This expedition brings attention to our work and helps us inspire a wider audience, from young enthusiasts to war veterans,” Wedgwood said.
With the mission underway, Somerset locals will be watching closely as a piece of agricultural and naval history faces the challenge of a deep-sea rescue.