TORBET ON THE TUBE
The wreck of HMS Port Napier breaks the surface of the Kyle of Lochalsh
The lure of heavy metal
Shipwrecks need not be sole preserve of scuba divers . Andy Torbet reveals his favourite UK locations where snorkellers can indulge their lust for rust
Shipwrecks offer something for every underwater explorer . There ’ s history and metal for the more traditional wreck-heads , but these structures quickly become artificial reefs that can occupy the most ardent wildlife enthusiasts . Most , unfortunately are deeper than snorkellers can go . However , around the UK there are a number of snorkel-worthy wreck sites which are accessible to those of us who take the tube .
HMS Port Napier
Not the easiest wreck on the list , as for most Brits it involves a lengthy trek north , between the Isle of Skye and the mainland . The wreck ’ s position necessitates a long swim or a boat journey to access the site . However , it ’ s my personal favourite because of how accessible it is once you ’ re there .
Lying on its side and breaching the surface at low tide , you can explore the 50-metre length of this Second World War mine carrier without even having to do a duck dive . Still , if you fancy going a bit deeper you can dive into the holds , opened up by the Royal Navy to extract the mines , without having to venture into overhead territory . Underwater visibility has always been good when I ’ ve visited , and there ’ s plenty of life in the nooks and crannies of this relatively intact ship , which lies in conveniently sheltered waters . The topside scenery is pretty stunning too , making this a beautiful day out .
Louis Shied , Thurlestone , Devon
This Belgian Steamer , sunk in 1939 , has cropped up at least twice in the last nine years of my curation of this column . But that ’ s because it ’ s such an easy wreck to get to , safe to snorkel with plenty to see . Head out along the rocky ridge that splits the beach at Thurlestone and swim out to the wreck that breaks the surface at low tide . On a sunny day swimming among the metal frameworks is the highlight for me .
Falmouth submarines
Staying south , we move from Devon to Cornwall for something a little more unusual – a submarine suitable for snorkellers . They ’ re not that recognisable as submarines these days but the rounded hulls are still discernible . We must forgive them , however , as they date back to the end of the First World War and , after the crews surrendered themselves and their subs to the British , the vessels were used for target practice by the Navy . Today , the wrecks sit in
The sten deck of the Scylla is a challenging duck dive
Friendly ballan wrasse
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