Eastbourne 25 Sep 2011

Diving The Wellpark – September 25 2011

The Wellpark was the name by which this ship was commissioned but during its life operated under a number of names including the Storra.

Details of the Wellpark can be found at this link : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Storaa

A beautiful day diving away from the club with a mixed group of rebreather and twin-set divers on Dive125.  Seven divers from Harlow, Biggleswade, Epsom and Hertford.

A great dive on this armed merchantman sitting upright on a 45m seabed. Lying 12 miles out of Eastbourne, towards Hastings. Sea state was good and the sun was shining.  Vis at about 5m but good ambient light.  Stern intact, with rudder and single prop, and toilets still in place in what was once the cabin area.   Bows broken and tipped to starboard.  Engine room accessible but silted to the top walkway which was disappointing.  Large crane lying in the collapsed deck near the spare prop.  Large access hole at bows – didnt go in on this dive (one for the future) as diving solo and no once else close by.  One of the divers  who had entered found a large 6-wheel truck, partly covered in silt.

A 75 minute dive with water temperature at 18C on the deco stops made for a great day's diving.  Good to meet new friends from other clubs.

Jim Ridings.