News
BSAC Divers recover historical slate wagon from Snowdonia lake
A team of BSAC divers have raised a 110-year-old Welsh slate wagon from the depths of a lake in Snowdonia, North Wales.
Members of Rhosneigr Sub-Aqua Club on Anglesey discovered the important piece of industrial history while diving Llyn Padarn, Llanberis.
The wagon, with a wooden chassis and measuring around 4ft long by 3ft wide, is thought to have been used to transport slate from Dinorwic Quarry to the seaport at Y Felinheli.
Rhosneigr SAC member, Rob Geal from Newborough, said: “We usually dive in the sea off the North Wales coast, but sometimes come to inland waterways for a change.
“Two years ago, a group of eight of us were diving in Llyn Padarn when, just below the site of the old quarry hospital and the current rail tracks, we came across the wagon lying on the lake bed about 20 metres down.
“We examined it and as it looked very interesting we decided it would be a good idea to come back at some time in the future and try to raise it.”
Earlier this year saw members come together to establish how they would successfully raise the 80 kilogram wagon from the lake bed.
Rob said: “We bought a top of the range 100 kilo lifting bag, which is basically a balloon that can be taken underwater, attached to an object and then inflated to bring it gradually to the surface.
“With our own boat waiting on the surface, we went down and attached special straps capable of lifting up to four tons to each corner and then fixed them to the bag, which was then gradually inflated using air from our own personal cylinder and a separate one which comes with it.”
Due to the heavily silted nature of the lake bed, visibility was poor, taking the divers around four hours to completely raise the wagon to the surface.
Rob added: “Upon examination, we found that quite a bit of it was still intact, including the wooden chassis, one of the four metal wheels it originally had, a wrought iron shaft connecting the wheel to the axle and a piece of wrought iron for connecting it to other wagons.
“It was decided that as it must be part of the history of the old slate railway, we’d hand it over to the Llanberis Lake Railway. It’s great to think that we’ve recovered a piece of the region’s industrial history.
“It’s certainly one of the most interesting things we’ve ever found. All we usually see when we go down is the odd dumped car.”
An initial inspection by railway bosses found that as the wagon has a wooden chassis, it must be one of the earliest used on the line which would make it at least 116-years-old as all wagons, post-1900, were made completely from metal.
Emlyn Pritchard, manager of the Llanberis Lake Railway, is delighted that the club decided to hand over the wagon.
“It’s part of the heritage of this railway and the whole area and as such is an important industrial artefact,” he said.
“We’ve not yet done a full investigation but judging from its appearance, it’s one of the wagons used on the old slate railway, part of the route of which we now run on.
“We’ll be delighted to have it on exhibition at the railway.”
Source: www.bsac.com
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Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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