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Shetland’ s super sub Author:
Simon Rogerson
Briefing: The British submarine E49 is Shetland’ s signature site, the favourite wreck of many a UK diver. With a maximum depth of 32 metres, it isn’ t especially challenging. Still, the remote setting and otherworldly atmosphere make for an experience that will live with you long after returning to the surface.
The dive: Launched in December 1916, E49 had been using Balta Sound as a base since March 1917. On 12 March she struck a mine laid by the German submarine UC76 between the islands of Balta and Huney. Witnesses described an explosion that blew off the bow section; the sub sank immediately, with the loss of three officers and 28 ratings.
I was introduced to this wreck in 2007 by Bob Anderson, then skipper of the Halton and now the Clasina liveaboard. Diving in
Shetland was a revelation for me, dramatic dives in spectacular settings. Looking back, I think Bob always knew that E49 was going to be the highlight of the trip, but he wasn’ t giving anything away.
I recall entering the water and making my way down the shotline with my buddy, same as any UK wreck. Before we’ d even descended below 10 metres, the whole scene opened up in front of me. The dark shape of a submarine, set against the backdrop of brilliant white sand; beautiful and heart-breaking. The conning tower – made of solid brass to reduce magnetic interference with the compass – lay on the starboard side, cloaked in soft corals.
The decking and outer hull has rotted away, so what remains is the pressure hull, with various pipes and ballast tanks providing shelter for marine life. The structure is home to plenty of big edible
crabs and juvenile pollock; octopus are frequently encountered and flatfish populate the surrounding sand.
As you move forward, you reach the point where the bow was blown off; the bow itself lies due west of the main wreckage. For visiting divers, there is a palpable sense of respect for the lives lost, and for this slowly disappearing relic of war.
My final memories are of ascending the shotline, and being able to make out the tiny figures of the last buddy team exploring the wreck. I’ ll never forget the sun cutting through the water and the silhouette of the lost submarine set against the endless sand.
Why it’ s special: There are other, more intact submarine wrecks in the UK, but the remote setting, water clarity and unique beauty make E49 a singular experience. �
Terms and conditions
The sponsor, O’ Three, has undertaken to provide the winner with a 90 Ninety Tri- Laminate Drysuit – off the peg, complete and ready to dive. Please note: No exchange or cash equivalent, and the suit will be provided to the winner of SCUBA magazine’ s writing competition only. Entries should be sent by email to simon @ scubamagazine. co. uk by Wednesday 14 May; SCUBA magazine reserves the right to extend the deadline. No more than one entry per person. The judges’ decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
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