Comments (See also photos - Littlehampton Marine Life and UK Wrecks)

Max Depth (approx)

3/4 October

Swanage Weekend

Kyarra

Divernet Wreck Tour 47

Betsy Anna

Divernet Wreck Tour 109

Although the forecast for Saturday very much fell into the category of borderline, most people decided to head down on the Friday night in the hope of diving the Kyarra the next morning. Swanage pier opened at 7:00 to find a few BUDC members driving groggily into some of the best parking spaces and sipping tea as a spot of drizzle dampened expectations further. However, despite the Force 5 winds, a flooding tide (running with the wind) meant that Martin, of Swanage Boat Charters, was prepared to give it a go. Sidewinder left with five club members and various hangers on aboard and nipped round Peveril Point before finding some sheltered water where everyone kitted up. We than dashed out to the Kyarra, Martin shotted up and one by one we rolled into the sea. Some got further than others. Tracey's mysterious leak resurfaced and Bryan 's regulator free flowed but those who did make it to the bottom had a good dive on a large and fairly compete wreck. Although the plan had been to stay out all day, Martin wisely decided to take us back to the pier before heading out to Peveril Ledge for what was meant to be a slack dive but turned out to be a fairly rapid drift. Saturday night was spent in The Anchor, sampling the delights of the Third Annual Swanage Blues Festival.

 Sunday dawned overcast but considerably calmer and after a rush to get bottles filled we set off for the Betsy Anna, five or so miles towards the Isle of White. Martin placed the shot in between the two boilers as he had promised and most of us spent a happy half an hour exploring the main section of wreckage in that area. George and Bryan, in between photographing everything that moved and a lot that didn't, managed to reach the bow section. A pleasant trip to Old Harrys Rocks followed and then a very fast drift over rocks and the dunes. Rays, dogfish, plaice and scorpion fish were all sighted. After a final round of hot drinks it was time to head back to Swanage and then home.(AM)

(Many thanks to Alexander for arranging the weekend JH)

27 September

Zaanstrom / Black Ledge

Zaanstrom

Divernet Wreck Tour 92

Despite Julian's best efforts and the fact that this was a great weekend tide and weather wise, he could not rally some club members and the boat set off from Littlehampton on a sunny and still Sunday morning with two empty spaces. His predictions proved correct as the sun stayed out all day and the sea state went from slight to flat to mirror like. This meant a comfortable journey out to the Zaanstrom, a wreck which some of the club had dived years ago and some never at all. With Jenny's expertly laminated wreck tour in hand, some of us planned our dives whilst others went through the now well practised drop the shot debate. It landed plumb amidships and with visibility in the 10m range, a good dive was had by all. 

Jenny and myself toured most of the midships section and the stern, taking in the propeller and rudder, whilst Andrew and Julian managed a complete circuit. With the tides being so advantageous the plan was to do a second wreck but both the Glen Lee and the Pine were covered in fishermen by the time we reached them and so, after a brief detour searching for a pinnacle that had appeared and then vanished on the echo sounder, we settled for a very slow drift on Black Ledges. The journey back was punctuated with the usual back seat driving and portions of chips and after a slight delay getting the boat out and cleaned we were packed up and on the way home by 5 pm after a very satisfying days diving. (AM)

20 September

Outer Mulberry

Black Ledge

There was not a lot in our favour for the dive today, it was an early start at the boat yard at opening time 8.00am.

When we get to the dive site the Outer Mulberry there are already five other boats there and some of their divers are already down below.

We put the first pair in with instructions to be back in half an hour to give the last pair a chance of a bit of the slack water.

We need not have worried as it was not too bad for the last pair down just a bit of hard finning along the back wall.

The vis was about 4 to 5 metres and the water temp is still up to 17c.  Lots of life as normal -  the Mulberry conger, crab, lobster and lots of fish of all sizes.

We went to look at Julian's rocks for the second dive but it was a bit deep so we ended up at Black Ledge again.

All in all a good day out.  My thanks to the five other divers on our boat and Alex's dad for bring him down and helping out (JA)

13 September

Bottle Wreck (well for some!)

Alex Kennedy has written a highly imaginative account of this dive which you can read by clicking on this link.  However, a boring outline of the dive is as follows:

We arrived at the first dive site but unfortunately a fishing boat had beaten us to it.  So we then went in search of the mythical Bottle Wreck.  It is said that many creatures live on this wreck like the great giant conger eel.   The first team went down and had no luck. The second team went down no luck. Then  we picked up something on our sonar. Then it was my own and Andrew's turn.

It was like the story said, giant mythical sea monsters all living in one environment. We took a look around and documented all that we saw. We were lucky enough to see 2 very fine and colourful squat lobsters. We then made our ascent and told the crew of the things we had seen. The crew was very envious of us both. I sensed a mutiny, but I relaxed the crew with some of my world famous milky chocolate. (AK)

August Bank Holiday

Well what a disappointment - winds up to gale force and 3m waves.  Friday and Saturday were cancelled but we thought we'd give it a go on Sunday.  After struggling against the waves and current for 20 minutes we decided that our plan of diving one of the deeper (and therefore further out) wrecks was just not going to happen.  We debated doing a drift dive but the consensus was to turn back.   (We weren't the only ones!)  A couple of boats did manage a shallow drift dive but with viz of only 1.5m.   Diving may have been possible on Monday but we had to make a decision based on the forecast so although the sun shone gloriously, again we were land based! (JH)

23 August

Ore Wreck (well nearly!)

Well. That was an exciting and unusual trip to the seaside Bryan!

For those not in the picture eight of  us were stranded at the Ore wreck and had to be rescued by the RNLI !!

Many thanks to the captain of Voyager who stopped to help, the RNLI and the Coastguard. Also and not least to the unflappable crew of the Banstead Diver who coped admirably with no panic or fuss! (JJ) (a more detailed report from the Novice diver viewpoint!)

22 August

Ore Wreck/Kingsmere Rocks

The Ore Wreck (Site 5004)

Wessex Archaeology

Saturday and another dive this summer, weather looks fine and winds light and not as forecast. It did decide to have a passing shower just as we were all changing but out we went with Skipper Julian, slight hesitation just out of harbour as one engine made a strange noise but turned out to be a load of sea weed around the prop (don't tell Rear Admiral Tim) but we were soon at the Ore Wreck. 

First attempt with shot was unsuccessful and after some debate (we have Andrew & Julian on board) it was lifted and then dropped this time on the wreck.

When we got to the bottom you could hardly see the wreck as visibility was almost nil and it was dark, so torches were definitely needed. I did my Dive Leading with George including line laying, attempted some more compass work but you could hardly see the compass in your hand let alone where you were going. 

Back to surface after 40 mins, good dive from training point of view. 3 pairs went in and all had a successful dive if not seeing much but able to get qualification dives signed off. I don't think anyone will complain about viz at Wraysbury again. 

Then over to Kingsmere Rocks for a successful 40min drift dive for Alex (his first one) with "I do not use any air" George as his buddy, Andrew was following  to see if he could use only 50bar and came up a few mins before the pair did. 

Then back to Littlehampton with George handling the boat for the first time in ages.  We arrived back at the Marina to the smell of the BBQ on the quayside (put on free of charge by the Marina for all their 'Captains & Crew' - thanks, David).   Another successful day. (MK)

15 August

Northcoates & Black Ledge

Northcoates

Divernet Wreck Tour 77

Despite the forecast, Bryan gave the green light for us to proceed to the wreck of the HMT Northcoates, 8 divers arrived at 0800 and we were on our way down the Arun by 0915, sea conditions on the outbound were poor as were going in to wind and waves so speed was limited to ensure a smooth(ish) ride. The journey out took 50 minutes; Julian led the ‘shotting’ team and placed it perfectly just aft of the forecastle on the starboard side. No mean feat give this wreck is only 124 feet long with a beam of 23 feet!

Upon entering the water no current was running and this remained throughout the dive, what a little smasher of a wreck, it’s got the big 12 pounder gun on the bow, machine guns mounts aft, all the mine sweeping gear and apparently a loo although we must have missed it!

Great marine life, lots of big congers, Bib, Pollock and little blennies, plus Julian picked up a very large crab! You can comfortably explore all the nooks and crannies in 30 minutes bottom time and can’t wait to do it again, the best dive I have ever done in the Eastern English Channel !

After all 4 pairs completed the dive, shot line was recovered and the voyage back to the Black Ledge was quick as we had wind, sea and tide with us. 4 divers then did a 40 minutes drift on the Black Ledge at around 12 metres.

Once safely back on board, we made good speed back to Littlehampton where we stopped at the steps to take on hot chips courtesy of Julian.

The only casualty of the day was the self bailer which Steve and I managed to ‘jerry-rig’ a repair – no doubt Tim will be holding a full Admiralty Board of Enquiry to apportion blame!

My thanks to Bryan, Tracy, Steve, Alex, Jenny, Dave and Jules for a grand day out. (PC)

9 August

Indiana & Worthing Lump

Dave (the cameraman)

Another sunny warm day with little wind dawned, summer is still here. Late start today meeting at the café at 10.30 for breakfast as the dive team of Julian, Jenny, Jacqui, Steve, Dave and Malcolm prepared themselves for the Indiana and the Worthing Lump. We were soon on our way with Malcolm & Dave having another chance to handle the Rib, this time with the Instructors staying at arms length so we get better and more experience.

After a slight deviation on the way with shouts of “hat overboard” and a quick recovery of some ones sun hat, we arrived over the Indiana and found another boat already there, so we were able to use their shot line after asking permission.

Dave and I were first in; this was Dave’s first time since qualifying as a Sports Diver to lead another less experienced Ocean diver, me, and my first time without an Instructor. With only about 11m below we were soon on the bottom and found quite a strong current which was unexpected. We did have a good dive of just over 30mins on the bottom with plenty of fish, crabs and conger eels etc to see, not much to the wreck but what was there had created plenty of hiding places to explore. Dave had brought his camera so was able to take some pic’s. 

                          Shoal of bib                                                             Conger Eel (hiding)

At times we were hanging on to the rocks and wreck to stop us drifting of but soon up went the DSMB and back on the surface. The rib was just picking up Julian and Steve from their dive.

(As the current was running I decided that Jacqui and I would probably be better doing a drift, hoping that by being dropped in up-current of the wreck we would drift over it, which is what happened - thanks Jules.  Unfortunately we were only able to appreciate some lovely shoals of fish and a massive conger’s body before the current took us on – just for a few more minutes!! JH) Then it was over to the Worthing Lump for Julian and Steve to do a short drift dive in ‘dog-fish alley’ before back to the Marina where Dave made an excellent effort of putting the rib onto the trailer first time. (MK)

2 August

War Helmet

Report pending

26 July

Mulberries & Black Ledge

Report pending

25 July

Mulberries & Black Ledge

Moderate sea but OK for dive after terrible weather of last few weeks.  Just normal bumble round the wreck.  Conger hiding but a few crabs and lobsters were about as well as the usual shoals of bib and pollock. Fairly strong current in places.

Drift at Black Ledge used up rest of our gas but not as much life as sometimes seen here. (AH)

19 July

Vobster Quay

With no prospect of getting out of Littlehampton, the frustrated dive leader trainees were able to coerce George into going down to Vobster Quay near Frome.  

Alan, George and myself left at 0615 and were near the front of the queue at 0800, after the customary cup of tea we were in the water and had completed the first set of exercises by about 10.30 in 15-18 metres – viz 4-5 metres, water temperature 13 degrees below the 10 m thermocline.  

Once ashore for our surface interval Alan was defeated by the ‘Deco Burger’ a cholesterol laden bap with burgers/sausages/bacon/cheese/egg but one has to admire his courage for trying!  

Due to the absence of the promised surface cover George had to cunningly re-plan the shot lift exercise, but this was easily done by lowering all the kit over a vertical edge to the quarry bottom at 12m – Alan and George then descended, performed the necessary exercises in low viz conditions at the bottom with myself on surface snorkel cover to collect the bags once they reached the surface, after a further surface interval this was repeated with Alan on surface cover.  

Two training modules completed!

A good day was had by all, and would recommend that we should make use of this facility for training more as there is ample depth (36m max), onsite gas filling station, plenty of training platforms and underwater sights and most importantly is not weather dependant.

4 July

Black Ledge & Mulberries

After an unexpected Part 1 Boat handling Course on the 20th June and Part 2 on the 27th June as expected, during which I managed a drift dive on the Waldron's with Andrew following Julian's ecstasy over diving on the Glenlee!!

Saturday the 4th July found myself yet again at Littlehampton at 8am!!!, first opportunity of taking out the Club rib with another set of divers from the club (part 3) and possibly some more dives towards my Sports Diver Qualification. Initial hiccup when two of the divers failed to turn up, but just after 9am off we go with Jenny, Bryan and Andrew, all experienced divers and instructors!!. Weather good, sea slight, soon arrived at the Waldron's again and my first drift dive (with Andrew) taking the lead with the SMB, after 20 mins or more surfaced after a successful dive viz 6m plenty of fish life. 

Then over to The Mulberries to do navigation skills and deployment of DSMB with Bryan this time, viz poor at about 3m. Again after 20 mins or more surfaced successfully and all on one cylinder!

Then Jenny and Andrew dived in to do some further exploring of the Mulberries. (We followed one of the new ropes to the cuckoo - a small wreck about 150 yards from the Far Mulberry.  Interesting to look around (huge lobster inside), and made a change from the usual dive - JH)

 Whilst they were down Bryan and I listened to a "Pan Pan" emergency over the radio at Brighton where three divers had gone missing on a drift dive, bit surprising as the sea was almost flat and little wind, but it was good to good to hear they were found after searching by two lifeboats by the time our two divers appeared on the surface. Then it was back to Littlehampton by 2.30pm and recovery of the rib and I did not lose anyone overboard. Thanks to Julian and Andrew for the Boat Handling training and for Bryan and Jenny for their help and advice and dives on Saturday. (MK)

27 June

Glen Lee/

Part 2 of boat handling course and dive on wreck and drift on Waldrons

Just four of us on the boat today, The plan was to let the two trainees on the boat handling course plan the day and get the boat ready. Once on our way the trainees would motor out to the wreck site of the Glenlee about eight miles south of Bognor and do a search for the wreck.

I have been diving out of Littlehampton for twenty years and been looking for this wreck for more than ten years myself but had never found it - just flat sea bed.

Andrew and myself got the trainees Dave and Malcolm, set on a search pattern on the marks we had just got from another dive boat back in the marina.

After fifteen mins I gave up and went to sleep at the back of the boat.

Half an hour later Andrew had found it. As luck would have it we were only going to have time for one pair to dive it. As Andrew had the pleasure of finding the wreck it feel to Dave and myself to be the first to dive it.

At the bottom of the shot line at 25 meters we came to two large boilers and a large lobster which I could not get hold of.   out with lots of life all over crab, lobster, conger, and lots of fish of all sizes.

After 30 mins air was getting low so we made our way up.  A lovely dive we must do it again soon. Thanks to Andrew (JA)

20 June

Due to inclement weather (!) Part 1 of the boat handling course scheduled for 27th took place.

13 June

Gascony

Divernet Wreck Tour 26

Hot & sunny, flat calm - just as diving should be in the UK!.  Went via the Pine (think we found it) and the Bottle Wreck (definitely didn't find it!) and ended up at the Gascony.  Good visibility (about 4 m) and plenty to see - shoals of bib and pollock, and a number of lobsters just out in the open waiting to be caught (we gave them a reprieve!).  Couple of large congers hiding in the boilers.   Unfortunately was running a bit, as fairly short slack, but well worth going. (JH)

30 May

Mulberries

OD first sea dive for 2 trainees.  Steve & Jacqui's report can be read in full by clicking on this link, but a few excerpts:

Steve and Jacqui’s first sea dive with dive leader Andrew Hubbard and his lovely assistant Debbie McGee, AKA Jenny.

Andrew and Jenny had preplanned that Steve would dive first with Andrew as his buddy. It turned out that this was an inspired plan. Jacqui and Jenny were second in and their 45 minute dive enabled Steve to savour the rolling ocean and provide more than adequate nourishment to the fish life!

The vis was actually very good, which made our first dive a memorable one. We were both introduced to the conger with it’s wild staring eye and funny idea of an introductory hand shake with it’s gaping jaw!

We were all fortunate to see a fantastic cuttlefish hovering close to us on each of our dives. Steve and Andrew saw a decent sized shark, oh alright then dogfish. The girls saw a good size lobster and a squat lobster.

Apart from a very boring dive in the Maldives last year this was our first serious open water dive and frankly we were disappointed. In all seriousness we were ecstatic, enjoying every minute (except for Steve’s fish feeding half an hour) and can’t wait for the next dive

And some serious stuff. Jacqui allegedly being the more advanced diver than Steve, doing mask removal and demand valve clearing, but forgetting the rate of ascent for the last five metres, compared to Steve’s gradual ascent taking one minute!!

9 May

Wraysbury Lake

Sandy & Jamie

All busy

Ocean Diver Training - first open water dives for 4 trainees.

Time to put all that knowledge learnt in the pool into practice in the cold waters of Wraysbury Lake!

Steve                     &                                    Jacqui

4 May

Ore Wreck/Kingsmere Rocks

The Ore Wreck (Site 5004)

Wessex Archaeology

Lots of boats went out and we were followed out  to the wreck by another boat who had forgotten their boat box - we felt sympathetic as we had very nearly done the same thing a previous week!  Bit choppy, but we've been out in worse.  Shot went in and Malcolm/Bryan got kitted up and in.  Alan/Jenny were next, followed by Alex/Andrew.  All had good dives.  Viz was probably the best any of the recently qualified Ocean Divers had experienced with large shoals of bib & pollock, and plenty of tompot blennies, velvet swimming crabs etc hiding in the nooks and cranies.  Oh there were also some bits of metal!!  On surfacing the weather had deteriorated so we came straight back.  Thanks to Tracey for some excellent diver pickups in difficult conditions.  Being married to Andrew - no comment re the entry to the river at the sand bar - but the chips were hot. (JH)

3 May

Gascony

Divernet Wreck Tour 26

We were not the only dive boat going out this morning and they were just as unsure as us about the weather. 

We got to the site and in went the shot, straight in the wreck.

Dave and I were the second pair in and it was nice and clear with enough light that I think we could have done the dive without a torch.

We had a very enjoyable dive but it was a bit cold towards the end and the only large crab that I could catch was in berry so I put it back.

We had a max depth of 27.5 metres and a dive time of 35mins.

We went to Black Ledge so that one pair could do a second dive, then a nice run back to harbour with the wind and sea pushing us along. (JA)

13 April (2)

Black Ledge

The day started as usual with Alex eating a hearty breakfast and Julian looking forward to finding the odd crab or two.

Cloudy, cool, calm this dive had all the hallmarks of being my second with the usual mal de mare.  

Having arrived at the Ore Wreck Alex and Julian went first. (See Alex's report below)

Once calmed down, given O2 and fed (again) Alex continued to talk non stop for the rest of the dive (so nothing new there then!).  

We then decided to have a go at Black Ridge (aptly named as the viz was murky……a technical term for poor!). Still I now know what a night dive will feel like!

Still all’s well that ends well,  I’ve experienced my first poor viz and drift dive and Alex is non the worst for wear. (Alan K)

13 April (1)

Ore Wreck

The Ore Wreck (Site 5004)

Wessex Archaeology

Following the usual breakfast/boat preparation we set off in a calm sea at about 1100 hrs. The journey was uneventful.

Following our buddy check, Julian and I were the first to dive. The descent went according to plan and we descended to 19-20 metres during slack tide. The water was cold ( @9 degrees centigrade with poor visibility. We took @ 2minutes to reach the sea floor.

At this stage the dive was enjoyable and I noticed Julian bag a large crab. However 9 minutes into the dive I was swimming too close (and behind Julian). As a result, my regulator was unexpectedly kicked out of my mouth.

It was a major shock and I panicked after unsuccessfully trying to retrieve my regulator. Despite my training I had also forgotten about the octopus around my neck and rushed to the surface, by finning and assisted by a small inflation of either my stab jacket or dry suit. On the way up I did remember that my training had taught me to breath out on a free ascent.

At this stage Julian had no idea what had happened to me but soon realised I was not there. He assumed I had was lost and sent up a DSMB.  

Having reached the surface I alerted Banstead Diver by waving my arms and shouting. Andrew Hubbard and my dad (Alan Kennedy) quickly came to my aid and helped me into the boat. Following an assessment by Andrew he decided to administer oxygen as a precaution. At this stage whilst I was very shaky I did not feel ill or injured. Following a period of rest whilst others completed their dives at Black Ridge, Littlehampton I felt back to normal. (Alex K)

4 April

Mulberries

See Alex's full report including the excitement of Bognor Rocks (!).

Banstead extreme weather divers strike again! At least we didn’t have to dive in snow this time it felt positively tropical!  

By Alex Kennedy, 14 years old, Trainee Sports Diver                      

21 March

Shirala

So the first dive of 2009 in the rib off Littlehampton - the dive season has officially started!  Well actually I didn't dive - no way was I going to get in the water this early in the season, the water was going to be very cold!  I volunteered to boat handle while Bryan, Jules and Tim went diving.  Only one minor problem during the drive down to Littlehampton, where was my dry suit?  Naturally hanging up in the garage at home and not in the boot of the car with the rest of the kit!  After an emergency call to Jenny - sorry for getting you out of bed - loaned dry suit could be got at Littlehampton after breakfast.  Thanks so much Jenny for coming to the rescue, certainly needed it to keep warm even though I didn't get wet.

It was a lovely clear and bright day but you definitely needed a woolly hat and gloves for the boat journey out to the Shirala.  A very flat calm sea provided a comfortable boat ride and found the wreck in record time without any arguments!  Had a peaceful time while divers were down although didn't expect to have to recover the shot which came bobbing to the surface after a few minutes!  Thanks Jules. 

After about 25 minutes of watching the divers bubbles, the first SMB popped up with a cold Jules on the end, it was closely followed by the hardy Bryan and Tim who could just about manage another few minutes under.  Bit different to Truk then Bryan?  The water temperature - just a cool 8 degrees.  Was I glad I was on the boat!  (Viz was a couple of metres.)

Here's to more sun and calm waters. (TS)