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Ceremony commemorates centenary of historic sinking of HMT Arfon

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Just over a century ago (April 30th, 1917) a rare steam fishing trawler – HMT Arfon – fitted out as a mine sweeper for the Royal Navy during the First World War, rapidly sank off the Dorset coast after striking a mine with the loss of 10 of the crew of 13.

100 years later to the day, a commemoration ceremony took place at St Aldhems Head, Swanage to mark the anniversary of the sinking. The original plan was for the descendants to visit the site of HMT Arfon by boat and lay wreaths to mark the occasion. Unfortunately the wind was too strong to allow this.

20 descendants plus Martin and Bryan Jones, Andrew Bailey and Garry Momber visited St Aldhems Head. Despite the windy conditions the ceremony took place, the poem ‘For the fallen’ was read, followed by a prayer by Janette Humberstone, a descendant of Edward Youngs, the Second Hand. The names of all the crew were read out followed by the blowing of the steam whistle using Morse Code for mine. The original steam whistle, beautifully restored was sounded for the first time since the sinking of HMT Arfon in 1917.

The whole group then assembled at the eastern side of St. Aldhems Head NCI station for the unveiling of an information board sponsored by Historic England. The unveiling was performed by Garry Momber, Director of the Maritime Archaeology Trust.

Martin was most surprised and delighted by how many people were able to attend the ceremony and said “it was a real pleasure to meet John Abrams (IV) who was the great grandson of the Skipper, John Abrams of HMT Arfon.”

After the ceremony the group spent the rest of the day at The Pines Hotel in Swanage where Garry Momber was able to show everyone the 3D tour released that day. Martin brought along a number of artefacts for the descendants to see. At a later date, the intention is that all the artefacts will be on display in museums.

The wreck was a rare find by Martin & Bryan Jones of Swanage Boat Charters whilst taking divers out on another wreck in 2013. Bryan was the first person to dive the wreck in 2014. Bryan, with the help of Dave Wendes a local maritime historian, proved the wreck to be HMT Arfon. The wreck is exceptionally well preserved with the trawler’s key features such as its mine-sweeping gear, deck gun, portholes and engine room still intact on the sea bed.

The Maritime Archaeology Trust has taken more than 10,000 images as part of their Heritage Lottery Funded Forgotten Wrecks Project. The images have been used to produce a 3D tour of the Arfon as she lies on the seabed today using a process called photogrammetry. This enables non-divers to view the wreck via the internet. As the wreck is now protected, diving can only be undertaken under special licence granted by Historic England.

Martin added “We would like to thank Historic England and the Maritime Archaeology Trust for the enormous amount of work that they have contributed to this project and we hope the Arfon will be left in its pristine condition and respected for its rarity and historical value for many years to come.”

Virtual Dive: Click here to view the 3D tour of the wreck of the HMT Arfon 

More information about the Maritime Archaeology Trust can be found at http://maritimearchaeologytrust.org

More information about the Heritage Lottery Fund Forgotten Wrecks of the First World War project (2014-2018) can be found at http://forgottenwreck.org

Thanks also to Martin, Bryan and Patricia Jones at Swanage Boat Charters, www.kyarra.com 

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Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake

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halloween

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.

halloween halloween

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.

halloween

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.

halloween

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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Marine Life & Conservation

Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction

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After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.

People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:

https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction

It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.

The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.

One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.

Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:

https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24

Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.

Find out more here:

https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31

 Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”

Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction


Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden

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