News
Divers Complete A Photographic & 3D Photogrammetry Survey of HMS Hampshire
A specialist diving team from the UK and Finland has completed a detailed photographic and 3D imaging survey of the shipwreck HMS Hampshire.
The 10,850-ton armoured cruiser HMS Hampshire departed Scapa Flow in Orkney on 5 June 1916 on a voyage around the north cape of Norway to the port of Archangel in northern Russia. She was carrying Lord Kitchener and his staff to Russia to discuss mutual war aims and strategy. As she struggled up the west coast of Orkney in a severe gale, approximately one and a half miles off Marwick Head she struck a mine laid by the German Submarine U-75 a week before on 29 May and quickly sank. Of the 749 people aboard, only 12 managed to reach the shore alive; Lord Kitchener and his staff were lost.
Today HMS Hampshire lies at a depth of approximately 70m (230ft) near the North West tip of Orkney in an exposed area open to North Atlantic storms and strong tidal flows. Despite the challenges, over a two-week period that poignantly covered the 100th anniversary commemorations of her sinking, the team undertook over 200 hours of diving.
Expedition Leader Rod Macdonald, an internationally renowned diving author and Director of Wreck-X (Shipwreck Explorers) explains:
“The story of HMS Hampshire is of historical importance and her loss forms an important element of the WWI naval story. In recognition of this, the prestigious Explorers Club awarded the expedition Explorers Club flag No 192. All major explorations since early 1900’s have carried with them an Explorers Club flag, including expeditions to the Poles, Everest and the Moon. Flag No 192 was carried on 22 previous expeditions to Polar Regions, the Himalayas and has crossed the Atlantic twice by hot air balloon.
HMS Hampshire is a controlled wreck under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 and no diving is permitted. To enable the survey to be undertaken, the UK Ministry of Defence granted the expedition a special licence. Diving was conducted from the new purpose built dive vessel MV Huskyan, based in Stromness, Orkney. For the first time a 3D photogrammetry survey of a shipwreck of this size has been attempted and the preliminary results are impressive with new information coming to light on her sinking and subsequent decay. This information will now be used to compile a detailed written and visual survey report, which will be made available to the UK Ministry of Defence, local Orkney museums and Historic Scotland.
As we commemorate WWI and in particular the 100 year anniversary of her sinking, we hope that this survey data will add to our knowledge of this historic warship and help maintain the memory of HMS Hampshire and the sacrifice made by her crew.”
Photos: Marjo Tynkkynen
A ship lost. No survivors. A grim recovery mission begins, pushing a team of commercial divers well beyond their comfort zone.
Braving treacherous conditions, saturation diver Nico van Heerden single-handedly combs the cramped, debris-strewn, zero-visibility Jascon 4 shipwreck searching for any sign of the lost crew.
Then, in a scene akin to a horror movie, while exploring a small, isolated compartment, Nico feels a tap on his shoulder. Could someone have survived underwater for over sixty hours?
The Diver & the Cook is the incredible true story of a seemingly impossible underwater rescue. With first-hand accounts, authentic images and detailed reconstructions, author and documentary maker Lasse Spang Olsen brings this gripping tale to life. The book is the result of over four years of work, including intensive interviews, access to previously unknown material, and deep study of conversations and film recorded during the actual incident.
Witness the unwavering determination of the human spirit as Jascon 4 galley chef, Harrison Okene, fights for survival after his ship goes down. Meanwhile, rookie saturation diver Nico van Heerden faces a daunting challenge: spearheading the rescue mission in a perilous underwater environment. With time running out, what rules must the dive team break to save Harrison before it’s too late?
An unprecedented operation, this story provides a unique perspective on the dangers and challenges faced by divers, showing the importance of teamwork and communication in high-risk situations. An incredible survival story against all odds, with an equally surprising aftermath.
Quote from the author, documentary-maker Lasse Spang Olsen:
“There are a whole lot of different versions of this story out there. But I believe that by speaking directly to the key people involved, creating meticulous reconstructions and doing original research we have dug much deeper and got far closer to the truth about the rescue and the sinking than anyone has ever managed to before.”
About the author
Author and veteran filmmaker Lasse Spang Olsen – in a 40+ year career – has participated in stunts and FX on over 600 films, directed eleven features and filmed extensively underwater. He’s led expeditions uncovering historical mysteries like the Flying Enterprise wreck and documented adventures worldwide. He’s also a producer and lecturer. Originally published in Denmark as Dykkeren of Kokken (February 2024), this is his fourth book.
The Diver and the Cook (ISBN 978-1-909455-61-0) is released on 12 November 2024 in paperback and ebook. It is available via online retailers, bookstores, from DivedUp.com and to the dive trade via Nautilus UK.
Dived Up Publications website: www.DivedUp.com
Facebook @DivedUpPublications / Insta @diveduppubs / X @DivedUp / TikTok @divedup
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
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