News
Badlads Divers commemorate the sinking of HMS Otranto, underwater
Over 400 men lost their lives in one night when the HMS Otranto sank off the west coast of Islay. 100 years after the tragic sinking of the Otranto, Badlads Divers remembered the loss of life in a special underwater commemoration.
On 6th October 1918, 431 people lost their lives off the west coast of Islay in Machir Bay. Just 8 months earlier, in February, over 200 men were lost when another ship, the HMS Tuscania was torpedoed by a German U-boat 6 miles off The Mull of Oa on Islay. These tragic wrecks, so close together had a lasting effect on the island community.
As scuba divers who have been diving off the Islay coast for years, Badlads Diving, a group based in Lancashire felt they had to do something special in remembrance themselves. They set out with one mission this year:
“At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them.” (For the Fallen by Robert Laurence Binyon)
From 8th – 15th June 2018, they used their yearly trip as an opportunity to honour and remember those who died just over a month before Armistice day. The team dived 54 hours mapping and recoding what remains of the HMS Otranto today, after 100 years beneath the waves.
This was by no means the first or only commemoration to the tragic loss of life
On 4th May 2018, WW100 Scotland National Day of Remembrance saw Princess Anne, descendants of survivors and UK government officials alongside British, American, French and German servicemen join together to commemorate the centenary of the tragic sinking of the HMS Tuscania and HMS Otranto in 1918 off the coast of Islay.
Pete Kenrick, who organises the Badlads annual diving trip to Islay was touched by the Tuscania and Otranto memorial and amazed that there was no recorded underwater footage of the Otranto wreck. Pete felt this presented the Badlads with an opportunity for a unique and fitting way to contribute to commemorations and honour those who died.
Due to their knowledge of the area, above and below the surface, they have seen the Otranto wreck on the floor of the seabed many times previously. However, aware of the centenary anniversary and that they have had a rare privilege to see where the Otranto lies now, the Badlads team decided that placing remembrance flags, recording and mapping the remains would be a fitting tribute.
It was Pete Kenrick who filmed the entirety of their 54 hours underwater. The hours of filming, while still available as raw footage, was reduced to a 21-minute video cataloguing their underwater expedition and commemoration. His edited video has been sent to the Museum of Islay Life alongside a few coins and loose tiles the divers found on their trip and donated to the museum to use in exhibitions. All valuable metals, fixtures and fittings have been long since recovered by Salvage Operations.
The importance of the underwater footage
15 meters below the surface, the Otranto foundered on Old Woman’s Reef. The Badlads team have been to this site several times and despite the wreckage and debris covering an area greater than the size of two football pitches, they knew the area they were looking for initially to begin their tribute.
They dived towards the forward 6’ quick firing gun engulfed in kelp they had seen many times previously. And on that first dive, cleaned the gun of excess kelp to prepare the site for their tribute. Flags of the United States of America and Great Britain were hoisted. A salute was given in honour and memory as the flags side by side flew proudly in the swell and current. And the flags remained fastened there for the duration of Diving operations.
During the 21-minute memorial video, you’re taken on a journey through the wreck. You can see engines that stand 5 metres proud of the seabed, covered in kelp but their parts still recognisable, 4 boilers remain intact. The boiler fireboxes where tons of coal were once shovelled by hand to create steam to drive engines are still also clearly visible.
You witness steel plates and portholes, a ventilator grill, a collapsed boiler, electrical terminal name plates, propeller shafts and one of the propeller shaft bearing liners; 3rd class bathroom tiles, a deck winch, lifting cradle and hook, broken timbers and a soldier’s boot resting on a strand of cordite.
Mike Armitage, one of the Badlads group said: “The boot was one of the most striking sights, because you see it and it really makes you wonder, what happened to the owner – was he one of the lucky survivors? Was he one of the servicemen who perished? Seeing that made it very real for us divers.”
Pete’s brother, Jeff Kenrick remarked: “It’s an incredible place to dive, I felt very privileged to be part of it this year particularly. For me, the most striking thing is that the site is teeming with sea life now. Lobsters, corals and fish have all just accepted it part of their environment now.”
On their last day diving, during their final dive, the team recovered the flags revealing the gun, now free of kelp and showing the 6” gun breech open, ready for loading. Leaving just the poppy they placed on there earlier in the week to honour the six French trawlermen who were also lost.
During their trip, the team also visited the Museum of Islay Life so they could learn more about the personal experiences of witnesses and survivors of the tragedy. They then went to the Otranto and Tuscania memorial erected by the American National Red Cross on The Mull of Oa and observed a minute silence.
Photo & Video credits: Pete Kenrick
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.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
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At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
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For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
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Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
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This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
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Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
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Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
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Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
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Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
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The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
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Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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