Getting wrecked in Guernsey has a whole new meaning when you’re talking about SCUBA diving. Even though throughout the winter months it can get a little frigid, divers still enjoy diving when the weather is, well not snowing outside.
The original plan had been to head out of Grandharve for a dive but a combination of a very stiff westerly breeze and rolling seas soon put paid to this plan.
Instead, after a quick revision of plan, I headed to the other side of the island to meet up with Matt and the crew to find the wreck of the 400-tonne Oost Vlaanderen. Some 30 minutes later, I was geared up in a hefty dry suit to keep out the Guernsey chill (it was about 8 degrees at 30 metres). The shot was duly dropped with a fair old current evidently dropping. Descending down the shot line it was evident that visibility was looking poor the deck of this small wreck loomed out of the gloom and the shot was located securely into the wreck.
It is possible to swim inside parts of this wreckage although some caution is advised as the structure is clearly deteriorating as a result of the corrosion of 60+ years of seawater and winter storms. Even after 60 years under the sea she still offers a fantastic dive. Part of me hopes we'll find something new!!!. Feeling our way around the bow recognizing other parts in the murk, 30 minutes was enough, blob deployed, safety stop then back on board for the trip back to port in time for a beer and bar lunch... How civilized!
Here's a short vid that Matt took on his Gopro
Good dive, good bar lunch. Perfect end to the day....
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