News
Maritime Archaeologists Dive Dutch Wreck The Rooswijk
Dutch and British maritime archaeologists are carrying out a joint diving expedition at the Rooswijk wreck site off the coast of Kent (runs till 15 September). The Dutch East Indiaman (VOC) ship sank on the Goodwin Sands in January 1740 with a large cargo of silver ingots and coinage on board.
The Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands and Historic England are working with the original archaeological dive team that partly excavated the wreck in 2005 and the licensee to carry out a detailed survey of the wreck that lies partly buried in sediment.
Archaeologists want to gain a better understanding of the Rooswijk wreck site, the ship’s design and the state of preservation of the materials on the seabed in situ. This will help with the future management of the site and depending on what is discovered there, will possibly lead to a further larger excavation.
A drawing of a ship similar to the Rooswijk – a Dutch ‘hekboot’ by Adolf van der Laan in 1716. © Collection of the Fries Scheepvaartmuseum.
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with our Dutch colleagues and the original archaeological team on this important site. Wrecks such as the Rooswijk are part of the shared cultural maritime heritage across Europe and it is important that cultural heritage agencies are able to work together to ensure that sites such as these are protected, researched, understood and appreciated by all.”
Earlier this year a geophysical survey was conducted, using a variety of techniques designed to allow archaeologists to build up a picture of the Rooswijk’s current exposure and buried remains before they visit.
The Rooswijk is a protected wreck site which is also on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register, which is a list of the sites most at risk and most in need of safeguarding for the future. The wreck site is threatened for several reasons including mobile sediments causing periodic exposure of the wreck and visits by opportunistic divers. The Goodwin Sands is an area known to be rich in shipwreck material and is regularly dived.
For more from Historic England, visit www.HistoricEngland.org.uk.
Dive Worldwide has recently introduced Kenya to its portfolio of dive destinations, making it a new must-visit for divers. The company has chosen Temple Point Resort, located in Watamu, a small town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast. The resort embodies the spirit of Kenya, with thatched roof buildings and bright white interiors, complemented with local art. The Creek Deluxe rooms enjoy a creek view and sunset vistas, whilst Boutique Garden rooms offer peace nestled in lush greenery.
An abundance of activities such as golf, stand up paddleboarding and kite surfing await those looking for action; while those in search of rejuvenation may partake in a range of yoga classes, or indulge in the spa. Spend evenings dining poolside dining or lazing in hammocks suspended over the creek; there is no detail missed at Temple Point.
The waters surrounding Temple Point Resort are bustling with life, however, there is also an opportunity to explore on dry land. Tsavo National Park is close enough for a day safari, allowing guests to double up on the wildlife experiences Kenya has to offer, from elephants to whale sharks.
Suggested Dive Itinerary: Dive and Discover Kenya
Embark on an adventure to one of Africa’s finest marine parks, Watamu, the first of its kind in the continent. Created in 1968, Watamu offers excellent diving and snorkelling for those of all experience levels. Lively coral reefs and the surrounding waters are home to over 1,000 species of fish, devil rays, mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles.
DEAL: Stay 12 nights for the price of 10 at Temple Point Resort
Price: Dive and Discover Kenya now costs £2295pp, saving £150 per person. Including international flights from the UK, 12 nights’ B&B (for the price of 10), transfers, 5 days, 10 dive pack, tanks and weights. Based on travel in September ONLY. https://www.diveworldwide.com/trip-ideas/dive-discover-kenya#details
For more information visit: diveworldwide.com or call 01962 302 087
Over the next 12 months, specialist scuba holiday company Dive Worldwide will be supporting Bite-Back Shark & Marine Conservation with donations collected from client bookings to any one of its stunning dive destinations around the world. The independently-owned operator expects to raise £3000 for the UK charity.
Manager at Dive Worldwide, Phil North, said: “We’re especially excited to work with Bite-Back and support its intelligent, creative and results-driven campaigns to end the UK trade in shark products and prompt a change in attitudes to the ocean’s most maligned inhabitant.”
Bite-Back is running campaigns to hold the media to account on the way it reports shark news along with a brand new nationwide education programme. Last year the charity was credited for spearheading a UK ban on the import and export of shark fins.
Campaign director at Bite-Back, Graham Buckingham, said: “We’re enormously grateful to Dive Worldwide for choosing to support Bite-Back. The company’s commitment to conservation helps set it apart from other tour operators and we’re certain its clients admire and respect that policy. For us, the affiliation is huge and helps us look to the future with confidence we can deliver against key conservation programmes.”
To launch the fundraising initiative, Phil North presented Graham Buckingham with a cheque for £1,000.
Visit Dive Worldwide to discover its diverse range of international scuba adventures and visit Bite-Back to learn more about the charity’s campaigns.
MORE INFORMATION
Call Graham Buckingham on 07810 454 266 or email graham@bite-back.com
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