SIX SILLY SCUBA SODS SURVIVE SHERINGHAM
Remember remember the 5th of November, when six silly scuba chums decided it was time to check out the fabled crystal clear waters of the North Sea.
Travelling to Weybourne a small village on the north Norfolk coast, adjacent to Sheringham, following directions kindly supplied by Seasearch Eastern Region, the scuba buddies arrived at a contoured pebble and shingle beach, on a dry but over cast morning.
Standing to attention, while Major Monika briefed the troops on the planed first dive, on the wreckage of The Rosalie. This 1st world war merchant steamer is a short swim out from the shore but a gruelling, energy sapping route march along the soft shingle beach.
We will skip the barrage of insults hurled at yours truly, during the full pack march, to a suitable entry point, and concentrate on the splendid dive that the six scubo’s all enjoyed.
Following compass bearings, (practiced in the car park), the route took in soft undulating golden sand, covered in a multitude of varying types of crabs, over a boulder strewn patch, until the orange and white plumose anemones signalled the port side of the wreck.
The Rosalie was hit by a torpedo in 1914, and steamed bow first into shore to save the vessel, giving us a great wreck to explore. 2 large 4 metre boilers are the focal point, but prop shaft, spare propeller, engine and rakes of hull, make a great rummage dive.
Visibility of 5 meters, no tide, colourful corals, crabs, lobsters, boilers, bleanies, scorpion fish and a lovely drift back along the coast to the cars, meant this was a top dive.
Many thanks to Rob, (seasearch), for great advice and raising the enthusiasm for diving off Norfolk, making the adventure possible.
Alan
