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Mark Milburn’s Cornish Wreck Ramblings, Part 7: Just an average day at the dive centre
There is no such thing as a typical day at our dive centre. This day started off in a usual way, checking emails, sorting out online sales and drinking tea. Then an email arrives – “Hi, I thought you may be interested, that a piece of the wreck has been washed ashore on the far side of Dollar cove, looks like it could be a piece of rudder perhaps, I have taken photographs if you need them.”
What could I say? Except “Hi, is it still there? There was a piece washed up several years ago too. Any pics would be great”. The photos arrived, it was a big piece of timber, worth a visit to get some better photos and some measurements. I contacted our site archaeologist, David. Then another email arrives “I have a piece of broken grenade shell, that I picked up off the beach several years ago, you are welcome to it if you wanted it, let me know and I’ll dig it out”.
I tried to contact Historic England but it turns out the person I deal with was on site somewhere else, looking at a large timber that had washed ashore. Just as I was about to leave, Nick arrived. I told him we are off out, we loaded some measuring scales and the camera, I then explained what it was about en route.
The sand on most of the beach had gone, it was mainly rock now. It was easy to find the timber, it was quite large and on the shore right near the wreck. We started taking photos. We then searched up and down and Nick found a dead eye, we photographed that too. Time was limited because of the low levels of the sand, the tide came in much faster than usual.
We returned to the shop and as we arrived a car pulled up. The gentlemen came over and introduced himself as the guy who emailed me. He asked what we thought of it. We had to say we were not 17th century rudder experts. All we could say was that is was old, of the right era and it was incomplete. It would have been much bigger, although this was big and rather heavy, made from a single piece of timber. He then opened a Tesco carrier bag and showed me the grenade. This was more than a fragment, it was a grenade with a fragment missing. It’s not everyday that someone comes into the shop with a 17th century hand grenade, although nothing really surprises us nowadays.
I spent the rest of the afternoon on the telephone and emailing Historic England and David, our archaeologist. Trying to work out what we are gong to do next, Historic England are going to arrange a team to come and document the item properly. David and I shall return before that to see what else may be lying around.
Find out more about Mark and Atlantic Scuba at www.atlanticscuba.co.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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