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Train ferry scuttled to become artificial reef – watch video

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artificial reef

Thousands of people watched as a train ferry was scuttled near Aarosund in southern Denmark earlier this month.

The ferry M/F Aerosund’s new function will be that of an artificial reef – the biggest in the country. In addition to being a haven for marine life, it will of course also serve as an awesome site for wreck diving.

The scuttling was filmed with 15 cameras.

Gert Normann Andersen, the contractor who has been overseeing the sinking of the ship, said the ferry had been filled with sand so that it would position itself top up on the seabed.

“All ferries I know are lying upside down or on one of the sides – this one has to stand right on the bottom. We put a lot of sand as ballast in the bottom of the ship and emptied all the tanks of air, so if it goes to the side on the way down it will stand right on the bottom,” he said.

The ferry is 55 meters long, 9 meters wide and 13 meters high. The wreck will lay on the seabed approximately 600 metres from the shore at a depth of 19 metres, with the top of the wreck only 6 meters below the surface.

Diving expert Ulrik Westphal was watching the scuttling.

“It’s a party here right now. There are many divers here and they all think this is very good – this is the first qualified reef here in Denmark,” he said.

The University of Southern Denmark will conduct a series of research studies at the site on marine migration over the coming years.

Prior to its scuttling, the ferry was decontaminated and made safe for diving.

“Everything is moved away, the paint, oil, everything is cleaned all over. I think it’s the cleanest wreck ever on the seabed,” Andersen said.

As a dive spot, the ferry will become an internationally recognised diving attraction and educational site for wreck diving.

“In the future, it will be exciting to see how quickly it’s overgrown, with sea urchins and mussels and so. We all hope it will be quick because when that has happened, the fish come. First the small ones and then the bigger ones and there are many small spaces where the big cod can hide. It will be exciting to see,” Westphal said.

The ferry was in operation from 1960 to 1999 in the South Fyn archipelago of Denmark.

Here’s a video of the ferry being scuttled:

[youtube id=”ixNH89H1ms0″ width=”100%” height=”400px”]

 

Source: www.ntd.tv

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Dived Up Publications announces the release of The Diver and the Cookby Lasse Spang Olsen

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The Diver and the Cook

A ship lost. No survivors. A grim recovery mission begins, pushing a team of commercial divers well beyond their comfort zone.

Braving treacherous conditions, saturation diver Nico van Heerden single-handedly combs the cramped, debris-strewn, zero-visibility Jascon 4 shipwreck searching for any sign of the lost crew.

Then, in a scene akin to a horror movie, while exploring a small, isolated compartment, Nico feels a tap on his shoulder. Could someone have survived underwater for over sixty hours?

The Diver & the Cook is the incredible true story of a seemingly impossible underwater rescue. With first-hand accounts, authentic images and detailed reconstructions, author and documentary maker Lasse Spang Olsen brings this gripping tale to life. The book is the result of over four years of work, including intensive interviews, access to previously unknown material, and deep study of conversations and film recorded during the actual incident.

Witness the unwavering determination of the human spirit as Jascon 4 galley chef, Harrison Okene, fights for survival after his ship goes down. Meanwhile, rookie saturation diver Nico van Heerden faces a daunting challenge: spearheading the rescue mission in a perilous underwater environment. With time running out, what rules must the dive team break to save Harrison before it’s too late?

An unprecedented operation, this story provides a unique perspective on the dangers and challenges faced by divers, showing the importance of teamwork and communication in high-risk situations. An incredible survival story against all odds, with an equally surprising aftermath.

Quote from the author, documentary-maker Lasse Spang Olsen:

“There are a whole lot of different versions of this story out there. But I believe that by speaking directly to the key people involved, creating meticulous reconstructions and doing original research we have dug much deeper and got far closer to the truth about the rescue and the sinking than anyone has ever managed to before.”

About the author

Author and veteran filmmaker Lasse Spang Olsen – in a 40+ year career – has participated in stunts and FX on over 600 films, directed eleven features and filmed extensively underwater. He’s led expeditions uncovering historical mysteries like the Flying Enterprise wreck and documented adventures worldwide. He’s also a producer and lecturer. Originally published in Denmark as Dykkeren of Kokken (February 2024), this is his fourth book.

The Diver and the Cook (ISBN 978-1-909455-61-0) is released on 12 November 2024 in paperback and ebook. It is available via online retailers, bookstores, from DivedUp.com and to the dive trade via Nautilus UK.

Dived Up Publications website: www.DivedUp.com
Facebook @DivedUpPublications / Insta @diveduppubs / X @DivedUp / TikTok @divedup

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

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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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