News
New 3D virtual tour of protected wreck in Thorness Bay, Isle of Wight
Whilst all eyes are focused on the Solent this week for Cowes Week 2018, for the first time the non-diving public can explore under the Solent and enjoy the fascinating protected historic wreck site that lies in Thorness Bay. As the sailing boats taking part in Cowes Week sail along the gleaming waters of the Solent, some 21m below lies a very different sailing vessel. The Thorness Bay wreck is the remains of a mid to late 19th century sailing ship. Historic England has commissioned a virtual wreck discovery trail which includes 3D models of the wreck site and diver videos and photos, bringing to life the remains of the entire wreck.
Exploring the new Thorness Bay virtual dive trail
The archaeological evidence previously gathered by divers indicates that the site is the remains of a wooden merchant sailing vessel. Judging from the extent of the visible remains, the vessel was c. 27m long and had a breadth of 7-8m. The presence of a large iron windlass, and other iron deck equipment indicates that the vessel was at least in use during the mid-late 19th century. At present the site has not been identified although one of the current licence holders for the site has found either a letter ‘G’ or a number ‘6’ in the vicinity of the bow which may be part of the name.
Until now all of this was concealed beneath the waves, hidden to all but a small number of divers. However, Historic England commissioned Pascoe Archaeology Services and MSDS Marine to create a virtual trail of the wreck to allow divers and non-divers alike to explore this fascinating site.
Working with ArtasMedia and CyanSub, the trail was created using a combination of archival evidence, geophysical surveys and underwater photos and footage. This evidence has been pieced together to bring the site to life and give the public a glimpse of what it is like to dive the wreck.
Exploring the new Thorness Bay virtual dive trail
Hefin Meara, marine archaeologist at Historic England, said:
“We are delighted to have been able to bring this fascinating mid to late 19th century wreck to life. The project has shown that underwater archaeology can be accessible to the wider public, allowing us to dive in to history from the comfort of our own home.”
Daniel Pascoe, Pascoe Archaeology Services, said:
“One doesn’t often get the chance to dive a mystery shipwreck, especially in the Solent, but the Thorness Bay wreck is exactly that. In a deepish, and dark, part of the Solent exposed features of this unknown wreck appear ghostlike in the divers torch beams. I hope this trail conveys the mysterious atmosphere of the wreck and ignites interest, which will encourage others to investigate its identity and finally put a name to this forgotten wreck.”
Mark James, MSDS Marine, said:
“I have been involved with this site since it was first surveyed by the New Forest National Park Authority after it was brought to our attention by local boat skipper Dave Wendes. I am delighted to now be able to help share this site in such a unique way with non divers”.
A diver visits the Thorness Bay Protected Wreck Site and examines a window into the wreck.
Copyright: Michael Pitts
Thorness Bay is a Protected Wreck site and can only be visited with a licence, available from Historic England: www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1402103
A physical dive trail on the seabed for visiting divers will be launching later this year.
Visit the virtual wreck tour at: https://www.cloudtour.tv/Thorness
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.
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- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
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- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
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- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
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- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
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- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
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
Cozy and warm in cold water.
It’s drysuit season all year round. With the new RS series premium drysuits from DYNAMICNORD, divers are perfectly equipped for all cold waters.
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The matching Dynaskins made with high-quality Polartec® technology are available in various designs. As an undersuit under the drysuit, as a single suit in warm waters or as a two-piece suit. Polartec® technology’s main features are neutral buoyancy, breathablilty and quick-drying.
Dynaskins are made largely from recycled plastic bottles.
The drysuit RS-351 for men and RS-352 for women are now available at your DYNAMICNORD dealer and in the online store.
Colors men and women: Black-Blue and Black-Burgundy
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DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
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