SCUBAHUB
Anniversary fun at Capernwray
DIVERS FROM 33 DIFFERENT CLUBS made the pilgrimage to Capernwray Diving Centre in Lancashire to mark BSAC ’ s 70th Anniversary .
The event proved a feat of organisation , largely thanks to North West Regional Coach Stephen Dorricott and his team of helpers . With a packed car park , it was evident that more than 200 divers were present .
Blessed with sunshine , it was very much an outdoors celebration , though a series of talks and presentations were available .
Meanwhile , various stands and exhibitors had set up by the lakeside , with the notable presence of blue fleece-clad representatives from BSAC HQ and a busy Rebreather Try Dive team . There were also sessions dedicated to trying out scooters and Apeks computers , in addition to photography workshops .
UK divers do like a treasure hunt , and a cache of ‘ gold ’ bars had been distributed at various points across the lake . Those kitting up in the car park were entertained by some perfectly judged tunes courtesy of DJ Cosche , whose twin turntables pumped out the music . The evening saw a buffet meal , followed by presentations and certificates to clubs celebrating their own significant anniversaries this year .
“ It was a really positive event and I ’ d like to thank everyone who joined us to celebrate BSAC ’ s 70th ,” said CEO Mary Tetley . “ Many thanks to Stephen Dorricott for organising – we ’ ve had a lot of positive feedback from the participants . It was a great pleasure to see so many BSAC members getting together under the sun and enjoying a fine day of diving .”
■ A fuller account of the event will appear in next month ’ s SCUBA .
Tech team helps resolve Orcadian tragedy
THE ‘ ACCIDENTAL ’ DISCOVERY OF THE wreck of the SS Express during an expedition to find two First World War destroyers has enabled a local community to find closure on a local tragedy .
A cargo vessel that provided a lifeline between Orkney and the Scottish mainland , SS Express was discovered by the Lost in Waters Deep expedition team , which included BSAC members . The team were in Orkney earlier this year diving from the Scapa liveaboard MV Clasina in a bid to find World War One destroyers , HMS Hoste and Negro . It was during their shakedown dives at the start of expedition that the SS Express was located .
SS Express sank following a collision with another ship , HMS Grenville , a Royal Navy destroyer believed to be sailing without lights . The cargo ship – which provided vital supplies to the Orkney islands – went down 10 miles off the island of Copinsay in 1918 , with the loss of 13 lives – 11 locals and two Royal Navy personnel .
The loss of the men was felt keenly in the local community , and its discovery has now offered a sense of closure to many of their relatives .
Expedition Leader Will Schwarz described the discovery of the Express as a ‘ fortunate accident ’.
“ A member of the expedition ’ s research
team , Kevin Heath , asked us to check it out as the Express was believed to be in the vicinity and so was suitable for a build-up dive . We also knew that if successful , the discovery would be important at a local level .”
The SS Express was discovered by the divers on the second day of their expedition .
“ Her discovery has enabled closure for her crews ’ families and marks both in the history books and the maps where she lies ,” Will said .
The team were also successful in locating the historically important Negro and Hoste , two destroyers which collided in 1916 and sank , with the loss of 50 sailors . The full story of the Lost in Waters Deep expedition will be covered in a future issue of SCUBA .
Divers explore the newly discovered SS Express wreck site
8