<p>ABSTACT A dredging method and apparatus is disclosed for the recovery of material from below the beds of rivers and other bodies of water. The apparatus comprises a recovery unit, having upper and lower booms, which is movably supported on a platform and means for raising and lowering the recovery unit. The lower boom has material digging and removal means attached to an endless conveyor and the upper boom has material separating means and means for removal of the separated material. The apparatus also includes means for washing and separating the material removed by the removal means of the lower boom. The method for moving the apparatus includes the steps of washing and separating the material removed by the lower boom on the dredging apparatus, separating the material which caves in on the upper boom in situ and removing the material separated from the caved-in material to the surface for collection on the dredging apparatus.</p>
