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.
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.
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”.
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
News
Stay Longer for Less at Temple Point, Kenya with Dive Worldwide
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
News
Dive Worldwide Announces Bite-Back as its Charity of the Year
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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