Barry Cotter tells of a momentous day of discovery and fulfillment for members of Cynon Valley SAC
UKDIVING
Steve Hardcastle displays his find on the RIB
Voice of the Allendale
Barry Cotter tells of a momentous day of discovery and fulfillment for members of Cynon Valley SAC
It was one of those crisp, calm mornings that make the long drive to West Wales worth every mile. Four members of Cynon Valley Sub Aqua Club had gathered at Milford Haven, ready for a day beneath the waves, but none could have guessed just how memorable it would become.
Three seasoned divers – instructors Howard Lewis, Mike Jones and Steve Hardcastle – were joined by the club’ s newest member Barry Cotter, on what was to be his first outing aboard our RIB. The plan was simple: two relaxed dives exploring wreck sites off the headland near Skokholm Island, a well-loved area for our club. The outcome, however, would turn into a story fit for club legend.
The first dive went without a hitch. Howard and Mike paired up, while Steve took Barry under his wing. Beneath the surface, visibility was reasonable, and the team enjoyed almost an hour exploring the familiar lines of a wreck to the north of Skokholm. Slack water brought relatively calm seas, curious marine life, and the promise of new discoveries beneath the waves. But it was the second dive that would make history.
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