SCUBAHUB
Forgotten Sub project wins Peter Small Award
A TEAM OF BSAC DIVERS KNOWN AS the ‘ Gasperados ’ have won the 2022 Peter Small Jubilee Trust Award for their inspiring expedition to identify a significant Royal Navy submarine – the HMS D1 – in waters off Dartmouth .
Set up in memory of renowned science journalist and BSAC co-founder , Peter Small , the award is given each year to ‘ the most worthwhile and ambitious BSAC project conducted in British waters .’ It is awarded jointly by the British Sub-Aqua Jubilee Trust and BSAC ’ s National Diving Committee , with the winners receiving a prize of £ 1,000 .
The 2022 award winners comprise of a group of technical divers from the BSAC membership who worked alongside USbased U-boat historian Michael Lowry to investigate the possible misidentification of a First World War submarine wreck .
The Gasperados ’ project leader , Steve Mortimer , said the team came on board after Michael suggested the identification could be wrong . The wreck site had been linked to the German minelayer , UC 49 , which was believed to have been sunk by a Royal Navy destroyer in 1918 . However , investigations by Michael Lowrey suggested that UC 49 was responsible for the sinking of another ship after this date , meaning the wreck was most likely a different submarine .
“ Michael was writing a book about First World War U-boat losses , and if this wasn ’ t UC 49 , then it could have possibly been one of the missing boats - hence his interest . And it turned out to be something quite different ,” Steve explained .
On their exploratory dives of the 50m site , the Gasperados collected new data , including photographs and video , all of which enabled Michael , Steve , and the team to re-evaluate the evidence . Their conclusion was that the wreck was the HMS D1 , the Royal Navy ’ s first submarine designed for long-range operations .
Steve was recently presented with the Peter Small Jubilee Trust Award by BSAC ’ s Head of Diving and Training , Dom Robinson . He now hopes the Gasperados ’ success will inspire other BSAC clubs or diver teams to consider entering their expeditions for a future award .
“ For us , a big part of discovery is sharing our enthusiasm with others ,” said Steve . “ And so it ’ s great to get recognition for our efforts from the Peter Small Jubilee Trust Award . I ’ d also encourage other BSAC divers to put themselves forward for the award , as even if we hadn ’ t been successful , the process of applying has helped us to plan how to do future projects even more effectively .”
Entries for Peter Small Jubilee Trust Award 2023
All eligible diving projects should promote the advancement of underwater exploration and the education of the public by encouraging safe diving while conducting underwater study , research , and exploration .
Applications for the award can be made to the BSAC Expeditions Officer , c / o BSAC HQ accompanied by both a digital and hard copy report on the project . BSAC ’ s National Diving Officer with assistance from BSAC ’ s Expeditions Officer will nominate up to three projects for the British Sub-Aqua Jubilee Trust to consider and select the award recipient . For more information on the Peter Small Jubilee Trust Award and to read the Gasperados ’ full project report , as well as previous winners , go to bsac . com / awards
Fourth Element drysuit offer extended
THERE IS STILL TIME FOR BSAC members to save £ 100 on Fourth Element ’ s Hydra drysuit .
As a BSAC kit partner , the Cornwallbased company has extended its discount offer until 30 June 2023 , meaning BSAC members can purchase the Hydra for £ 799 .
The Hydra drysuit is ideal as a first drysuit or an upgrade from an entrylevel suit . Ideally suited to UK diving , the neoprene suit ’ s design features make it streamlined , with as much similarity to a wetsuit or semi-dry as possible . Made from high-density 4mm neoprene , the suit provides warmth while allowing much freedom of movement . The suit is available in both male and female versions .
Fourth Element ’ s technical range , including the Hydra , works around the principles of performance , innovation and function . It uses the latest fabric technology and designs , to give divers the thermal protection to keep them diving for longer .
To take advantage of this offer , members can purchase directly from Fourth Element or by calling 01326 574745 . You will need to provide your current membership number to access the offer .
Alternatively , you could purchase via any Fourth Element dealer . Please note , the offer is not available to those based in North America , Asia and Australia .
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