News
Scuba Divers WW1 Commemorative Dive: SS Baygitano
Members of Severnside Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC Branch No. 364) from Bristol have visited the ship wreck site of the SS Baygitano in Dorset to commemorate her sinking one hundred years ago. The merchant navy vessel, which was on route from Le Havre to Swansea to collect coal, was sunk in British waters by enemy action during the Great War at 11:45 am on 18 March 1918. The wreck now lies around 20 metres down on the seabed about 1.5 miles South of the Cobb at Lyme Regis, Dorset.
Scuba divers from various branches of the British Sub-Aqua Club were hoping to dive the wreck at 11:45 am on 18 March 2018. Unfortunately, the weather conditions were unsuitable on the day. On 14 April 2018, the conditions were much better and divers were able to make it to the wreck site in order to lay a wreath inside one of the ship’s boilers as well as a poem commemorating the sacrifice of merchant navy seamen in WWI and WWII. Severnside Sub-Aqua Club ‘adopted’ the shipwreck in 2012 as part of the Nautical Archaeology Society’s ‘adopt-a-wreck’ scheme aimed at encouraging understanding of Britain’s maritime heritage. Since then, club members have worked to find out more about the wreck and her crew to to promote respectful visits to the wreck site by divers as part of the Society’s Lost Beneath the Waves 1914-1918 initiative – see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-32380743.
“We were disappointed not to be able to dive the wreck site on the 100th anniversary of the sinking. However, the rain and snow hasn’t dampened our club members’ enthusiasm for diving on the wreck or learning more about its history and the vital role played by the merchant navy in the Great War. This will hopefully be the first of several planned trips to dive the wreck during its centenary year and to commemorate the contribution and sacrifice of all those who lost their lives during that terrible conflict.” said Nigel Braybrooke – Adopt-a-Wreck Project Coordinator, Severnside Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC Branch No. 364)
Members from Severnside Sub-Aqua Club were delighted to be joined on the dive by members from North Dorset Sub Aqua Club. It is hoped to encourage more diving on the wreck during the year. Divers have left a long blue line with floats tied in to the wreck attached securely to an eye-ring on one of the main boilers to make it easier to dive the wreck. Any clubs with their own RIBs wanting to join in on any future diving with Severnside Sub-Aqua Club can email info@severnsidesac.com to find out when dates are announced.
“The sinking of the SS Baygitano one hundred years ago is a part of Lyme Regis’ history but so easily forgotten as the wreck now lies underwater. The wreck is not recognised as a war grave because the only two casualties from the ship wreck, the First Mate Frederick Rudolph Richards and Fourth Engineer Harold John Chinn, were not serving members of the armed services. Club members felt that it was appropriate to lay a wreath in their memory and in commemoration of the conflicts in which so many people have lost their lives.” said Leon R Smith – Club Chair and Dive Manager, Severnside Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC Branch No. 364)
In 2015 the project was awarded the Society’s ‘Adopt a Wreck Award’ for the project. The judges said: “The SS Baygitano is a great UK wreck dive within the limits of BSAC Ocean Divers and trainees under supervision and in a sheltered location. However, the wreck is often overlooked as a potential dive site or, otherwise, only ever dived as a back-up site in case of poor weather or unsuitable tides. The club wanted to change that by finding out a bit more about her fascinating history and then publishing their findings as widely as possible using TV, Radio, and online including social media. Their project demonstrates how, by adopting a wreck, it can be used to involve all interested parties, both divers and non-divers, in ‘Diving with a Purpose’. However the club does not want people to forget that the Baygitano is also the final resting place of two of the 12,000 men of the Mercantile Fleet who lost their lives providing vital supplies to enable the Allies’ final victory in the Great War.”
The project has also been recognised previously by the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC Wreck Award and Heinke Trophy Judges’ Commendation) and the Sports + Recreation Alliance (Innovative Project Award).
You can find out more about Severnside Sub-Aqua Club in their Meet Our Club feature here on Scubaverse: www.scubaverse.com/meet-club-severnside-sub-aqua-club or visit their website: www.severnsidesac.com.
Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.
Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities
With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.
Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators
This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.
Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure
Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.
Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages
This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.
It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!
Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.
For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
-
News1 month agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
Blogs3 months agoNovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
-
News2 months agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News2 months agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News2 months agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News2 months agoTry BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
News3 months agoComing Soon – 52 Assignments
-
Marine Life & Conservation2 months agoBook Review: Coral Triangle Cameos