Scuba divers are being told not to dive inside the Scylla wreck in Whitsand Bay, Cornwall, UK – because it’s “too dangerous”.

The warning comes following the results of the 2014 Scylla Reef Condition Survey, which found that a number of factors could be hazardous to divers.

The survey – which was conduced by underwater specialists – has confirmed the corrosion levels of the wreck have increased based upon the 2013 findings, with further collapsing of fittings, bulk heads and deck heads, causing cables to become free hanging and collapsing of internal fittings.

As the condition of the wreck deteriorates and corrosion worsens on the artificial reef, further debris from the site will loosen and cause access difficulties to scuba divers wishing to penetrate the wreck.

Due to these hazardous conditions, Dr David Gibson, managing director of the National Marine Aquarium, is recommending that divers do not attempt to enter the former Royal Navy vessel.

He said: “The wreck would appear to be deteriorating in exactly the way we would expect a modern steel ship to after 10 years on the seabed.

“However, we recommend dives on the Syclla Reef are now restricted to scenic dives around the exterior of the vessel only and the confines of the vessel should not be entered.

“The inside of the wreck is simply too dangerous now to consider penetrating the compartments.”

The survey indicates that the storms of late 2013 and early 2014 may have helped scour out some of the silt; however, this has led to further issues.

The report states that there is clear evidence of storm damage on the wreck and its marine life;S more so on the starboard side.

Debris is gathered around the hull, particularly near the stern and underneath the rudder.

Sections of fishing net, encrusted gill net, wire, pipes and rope are scattered across the seabed along with sheets of metal, fittings from inside the wreck and original fire hose reel.

Dr Gibson added: “Whilst the loss of encrusting marine life on the exterior of the vessel is regrettable, we are certain it will rapidly re-colonize over the next couple of seasons, and there should be no long term effects from the winter storms.

“The presence of commercial fishing gear around the wreck indicates that it is still being targeted by commercial fisherman, capitalizing on the wreck’s success as an artificial reef.

“The presence of large numbers of commercially important species on the wreck further reinforces the role these types of projects have to play as part of a comprehensively managed network of marine protected areas.”

The National Marine Aquarium, based at Coxside, has been involved with managing Scylla Reef since it was first sunk in 2004.

Richard Stevenson, owner of Diving and Marine Solution (DMS) – which carried out the survey, also revealed that divers have been “vandalising” the wreck.

“Personally I have been involved with every one of the four surveys DMS has undertaken in the capacity of underwater photographer and videographer,” he said.

“It has been an amazing experience seeing the change in the reef from year to year, but also an immense disappointment witnessing the unnecessary vandalism that occurs as well.

“I will never understand what prompts a diver to try and remove protective bars and bolts that are placed to safeguard their very safety.”

Since 2004 a number of divers have died while diving on the Scylla.

Source: www.plymouthherald.co.uk

Photo: Sally Sharrock