SCUBACHAT
Andy Watson – a tribute
MEMBERS OF WORTHING BSAC AND the wider diving community were saddened to learn of the passing of Andy Watson on 16 June. Andy passed away peacefully, his daughter, Claire, by his side, after an illness and a courageous battle with the lasting effects of a stroke suffered several years ago.
Andy will be remembered as one of the founding members of Worthing BSAC, longterm Diving Officer and helping to establish the club in 1982 alongside a small group of enthusiastic divers, including his wife, Reina. Together they laid the foundations for what would become one of the South Coast’ s most successful and enduring diving clubs. Tragically, Reina herself passed away last year, making Andy’ s passing all the more poignant for those who knew and cared for them both.
From its earliest days, Worthing BSAC
Remembering Sue Prescott
IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS THAT WE announce the death of Sue Prescott, who passed away on 6 May 2026 after a short illness. She will be missed by all within the club, especially for her role of Welfare Officer. Sue Performed this role for many years during her 25 years as a club member, never missing a committee meeting with Dave, her husband, waiting in the background, having provided the transport.
Being a very observant person she once whispered to me just before I was due to start a meeting...“ Dave, you still have your bedroom slippers on.”
Quizzes were run once a year, proceeds has been an active and vibrant club, diving regularly from Littlehampton and fostering a spirit of adventure, friendship and safe diving. Andy’ s vision and dedication helped shape the club’ s culture and values, creating an environment where divers of all ages and experience levels could learn, develop, and share their passion for the underwater world.
Over more than four decades, the club has introduced hundreds – if not well over a thousand – people to scuba diving. Many members who first took their training through Worthing BSAC have gone on to enjoy lifelong involvement in diving, carrying with them the knowledge, confidence and enthusiasm that clubs such as Worthing BSAC inspire. Today, the club remains strong and active, with around 80 members continuing the legacy that Andy and his fellow founders began in 1982.
normally going to the RNLI. Sue and Dave’ s team would often win these occasions; perhaps being teachers for most of their working lives was a bit of an advantage?
Sue dived extensively worldwide having logged more than 300 dives all with her husband, except for one! Her most memorable dive was in the Southern Red Sea, dropping backwards off the RIB and meeting a hammerhead shark face-to-face.
The Mexican Cenotes sinkholes dives were also a fantastic experience; Sue and Dave remain the only ones in our branch to have done that – a truly adventurous lady. She had been married to Dave for 58 years and both cycled on a regular basis, even though she was 80 years young. She will ever live in the hearts of all who knew her; our everlasting love and thoughts go out to her son, daughter and respective partners, plus two lovely grandchildren. DAVE PLUMB, Diving Officer, Coventry 58
Those who knew Andy remember a man whose commitment to the club extended far beyond its formation. He was part of a generation of divers who built not only a successful organisation but also a community. His contributions helped create friendships, adventures, and memories that have lasted a lifetime for countless members.
Andy leaves a remarkable legacy. Every training session, every dive boat leaving Littlehampton, and every new diver taking their first breaths underwater through
Worthing BSAC is, in some small way, a continuation of the work he helped start more than 40 years ago.
He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and fellow divers. His contribution to Worthing BSAC and to the local diving community will not be forgotten.
Fair winds and safe diving, Andy. DARREN MCDONAGH, Worthing BSAC
Doors open at The Diving Museum
THE DIVING MUSEUM IN GOSPORT HAS REOPENED – museum volunteers and BSAC members Rob and Jenny were on duty showing visitors around the museum. Claire, centre is the Museums Community Engagement Officer. Jennifer Watkins
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