Canadave
Registered
Just 48 hours after she was sunk, I and a few other lucky divers, had the honor of being among the first members of the public to diver her. It was long anticipated and something special for me personally since I had volunteered a couple of times to help in the clean up. I was also privileged to witnessed the sinking last Saturday.
On Tuesday afternoon we chartered out on the Sea Dragon from Horseshoe Bay and in 20 minutes we were moored on the stern buoy near Gambier Island. As a mainlander, I can now rejoice at being able to dive such an impressive vessel without the hassle and expense of a round trip ferry ride to see the other more established artificial wrecks put down by the ARSBC.
There was so much anticipation and excitement on the charter; everyone was gearing up in record time to be the first to get in the water. The sheltered Halkett Bay was dead calm and we were at high tide. Descending down the stern line, I strained my eyes to see any details of the ship. Visibility was not the greatest, maybe about 15 ft, due to a bit of a plankton bloom. Moments later though, at around 60 feet, we found ourselves on the lower stern deck just below and aft of the hangar deck where the Sea King helicopter once lived. There are two other options for descending as there are mooring buoys at midship and at the bow.
My dive buddy and I surveyed the decks from stern to bow and poked around in a few openings but did not do any penetrations. I captured a few minutes of video and posted it to Youtube under my user name for those who want more. There is also lots to see shallower than 60 feet, like the upper decks, bridge and a couple of stacks. The bow tip was at 65 feet and we got down to about 85 feet along the hull. Might I also add that you could put a level on the decks, she is sitting so perfectly straight and upright.
The ARSBC has added a few nice extras that caught me by surprise, not that an impressive ship like this needs any. On one forward area there is a cool old anchor welded to the deck and in another area there are some amazing shiny metal fish sculptures displayed weather vane style. I didn't see any real fish but hey it's only been 48 hours and its dark as hell down there.
Can't wait to return again and again and see the transformation as she begins to collect sea life. A highly recommended dive!
On Tuesday afternoon we chartered out on the Sea Dragon from Horseshoe Bay and in 20 minutes we were moored on the stern buoy near Gambier Island. As a mainlander, I can now rejoice at being able to dive such an impressive vessel without the hassle and expense of a round trip ferry ride to see the other more established artificial wrecks put down by the ARSBC.
There was so much anticipation and excitement on the charter; everyone was gearing up in record time to be the first to get in the water. The sheltered Halkett Bay was dead calm and we were at high tide. Descending down the stern line, I strained my eyes to see any details of the ship. Visibility was not the greatest, maybe about 15 ft, due to a bit of a plankton bloom. Moments later though, at around 60 feet, we found ourselves on the lower stern deck just below and aft of the hangar deck where the Sea King helicopter once lived. There are two other options for descending as there are mooring buoys at midship and at the bow.
My dive buddy and I surveyed the decks from stern to bow and poked around in a few openings but did not do any penetrations. I captured a few minutes of video and posted it to Youtube under my user name for those who want more. There is also lots to see shallower than 60 feet, like the upper decks, bridge and a couple of stacks. The bow tip was at 65 feet and we got down to about 85 feet along the hull. Might I also add that you could put a level on the decks, she is sitting so perfectly straight and upright.
The ARSBC has added a few nice extras that caught me by surprise, not that an impressive ship like this needs any. On one forward area there is a cool old anchor welded to the deck and in another area there are some amazing shiny metal fish sculptures displayed weather vane style. I didn't see any real fish but hey it's only been 48 hours and its dark as hell down there.
Can't wait to return again and again and see the transformation as she begins to collect sea life. A highly recommended dive!
