Many people contributed to the success of the research cruuise (RS05 R/V Urania ). Firstly, we wish to thank Captain Emanuele Gentile, the Chief Engineer, the officers and crew members of R/V Urania for their professionalism and efforts in assuring the success of the cruise. The project was mainly funded by EU's EUROMARGINS projects, with a substancial amount provided by the Italian CNR for ship time. We are indebted to the ISMAR of Bologna (Dr.M.Ravaioli and P.Dall'Olio), for the continuous effort in resolving the financial and technical problems. Dr. M.Borghini of ISMAR at La Spezia kindly provided the SIPPICAN launcher, while Dr. Manzella of ENEA provided some of the XBT. We thank you both. We also wish to acknowledge Italian Embassies in Egypt and Saudi Arabia for their assistance.