But there are some things to consider when investigating wrecks . The high energy nature of the shallower parts of the seas around the UK mean our wrecks are often well broken up .
And unless the wreck has been purposely sunk – such as the Leander class frigate HMS Scylla off Plymouth – it may still be full of wires , pipes and other snag hazards . This , combined with the broken nature and potential instability of the wreck , means entrapment is a genuine risk .
I have snorkelled into a number of shallow shipwrecks , but I always peer inside to ensure there are no major entanglement threats , and that I can get back out .
Keeping to the outside of wrecks is undoubtedly safer , unless we ’ re talking about the tide-blasted block ships of Scapa Flow . But snagging hazards are present all over a wreck , and the exposed ribs of old wrecks have a tendency to attract lost fishing nets . In fact , some fishermen target the wrecks on purpose , in the hope of trapping some of the resident schools that envelop the wreck .
“ I always peer inside to ensure there are no major entanglement threats ”
There ’ s often no need to go inside a wreck , when the exterior has so much to offer
The relative shelter offered by the inner parts of a wreck will attract some wildlife but it can also attract the build-up of silt . The wreck may even be snag-free and clear , but swimming into a silt-out can make it very difficult to find the way out . These are all major issues with diving but , on a single breath , are even more serious when on a duck-dive .
I don ’ t want to put anyone off , but all of us who enter the water have decided on a level of acceptable risk . Most of this column ’ s readers are likely to stay outside the typical intertidal wreck . As for those contemplating the next level , my role here is to equip you with a sense of caution . You and your snorkel manager must make the call on what level of risk taking is acceptable - it ’ s all relative to the wreck , the sea state and your own and your buddy ’ s level of experience and fitness .
If you are going to venture inside something no matter how benign , your buddy is your first line of assistance .
Every wreck is different ; indeed , a wreck can change in nature . Any part of it could collapse at any given moment ; new hazards can be introduced without your knowledge . You need to be aware of your movement in such a dynamic maze of metal . All the same , I have found these sites to be some of the most rewarding for the British snorkeller . A mix of antique engineering , human history and plenty of local wildlife . �
PHOTO : DAN BOLT
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