|
Ever
since my sojourn in the Red Sea in 1981, and my encounter
with the photogenic wreck of the Yolande at Ras Muhamed, I
have been itching to dive a similar wreck in British waters.
Although the Yolande is certainly spectacular inasmuch that
one could see and film the whole wreck complete with its quota
of fish, it is bereft of any significant marine growth, unlike
those round our coasts. Is it anything to do with the slow
growth of coral?
Hopes
of my dream being realised were raised last autumn, when I
read Dr Sproul-Cran's article, complete with a picture not
unlike the one that won Peter Rowlands his Gold Medal at Brighton.
This had to be an answer to my prayers, for despite previous
diving experience on James Eagan Layne, Kyarra, Hispania etc,
nothing seemed to compare to this wreck from the photographic
point of view.
This
summer, with a group of divers from my branch, who were wiiling
to dive with those of us who used cameras, I travelled to
Scotland. Between us we had four Eumig Nautica Super 8 cameras,
two with cine lights, not to mention Leo Collier who was festooned
with his own photographic gear.
Unfortunately,
we did not bargain for the usual Scottish weather which, unlike
the Red Sea, is not guaranteed. Although it had been the driest
and sunniest May since records were kept, and June was supposed
to be the best month for diving there, we had clouds, wind
and rain with only the occasional glimpse of the sun.
The
mine-layer, H.M.S. Napier, stationed at Kyleakin in Loch Alshe,
Isle of Sky caught fire after loading its full complement
of mines, on 27 November, 1940. Fearing explosion at anchor,
the ship was towed out to a nearby bay, where it sank after
an explosion mid ships. The mines, which did not explode,
were subsequently salvaged by the Navy, but suspicion remains
that some might have been left behind
The
ship now lies in 20m of water with a 90 degree list to starboard.
Its deck, containing the most interesting parts, faces north
and consequently even on sunny days, is always in shadow.
The bows and stern are relatively intact, but mid ships it
is very broken, as a result of the explosion, and is very
accessible. Furthermore, except at the highest tide, it is
always visible above water. It is a very impressive sight,
all 50Oft of it, but there is no way it can be shown on film
in its entirety underwater.
One
was reduced to picking out details with lights, which could
not be related to any significant parts, such as a gun on
the fore deck. To have the lights mounted on the same bracket
as the camera was virtually useless because of the abundant
suspension of particles in the water. which reduced visibility
to 2m at most. Luckily BSoUP lectures were remembered and
side and back lighting were employed. The idea of a diver
moving with the light came too late to be used.
In
the general excitement, unfortunately, other lessons were
forgotten, and so my camera batteries packed up at the beginning
of the second dive. Next time dude were discovered whilst
still on the slipway, just before getting into the inflatable.
Also the cine light batteries ran down during the dive ? I
thought they were supposed to last 12-15 minutes or three
films. How can one tell? |
