News
New 3D Virtual Tour of Protected Wreck SM U8 (1911-1915)

For the first time, non-divers can explore the protected historic wreck site of the U8, one of the Imperial German Navy’s first U-boats. Historic England has commissioned a virtual wreck discovery trail which includes 3D models of the wreck site and of the U8 before she was lost over 100 years ago.
The U8 was launched in 1911 at a time when technologies and tactics were rapidly changing and the submarine was emerging as a powerful defensive weapon. The U8 sank on the 4th March 1915, and was rediscovered in the 1970s resting in the English Channel.
The wreck is remarkably well preserved, and holds evidence of the events which surrounded her sinking, as well as construction features which show her to be a very early and important submarine. Until now all of this was concealed beneath the waves, hidden to all but a small number of divers. However, this year Historic England commissioned MSDS Marine to create a virtual trail of the U8 to allow divers and non-divers alike to explore this unique submarine.

Underwater CGI model of the wreck of the U8. Credit- Virtual trail and images commissioned by Historic England and created by MSDS Marine, with ArtasMedia and CyanSub.
Working with ArtasMedia and CyanSub, the trail was created using archival evidence, blueprints, photographs, war diaries, geophysical and hydrographic surveys and underwater photos and footage. This evidence has been pieced together to tell the fascinating story of the U8, from her construction to her loss, and subsequent rediscovery and investigation.
Stuart Churchley, marine archaeologist at Historic England, said: “We are delighted to have been able to bring this important early submarine to life in order to tell part of the story of the First World War at sea. The project has shown that underwater archaeology can be accessible to all, allowing us to dive in to history from the comfort of our own home.”
Serena Cant, Chair of Historic England’s Disability Network, said: “With virtual reality and key added features such as subtitles, Historic England’s dive trails promote an inclusive approach to our maritime heritage.”
The tour also includes interviews with many different individuals who are involved in researching the U8, these include submarine expert Kai Steenbuck, of the German U-boat Museum, recreational divers from Folkestone Dive Club who have explored the site many times, and Dave Batchelor of Neptune Charters, who has been involved with the wreck since its discovery. You will hear about the submarine from their different perspectives, and learn all about what makes this submarine significant.
The U8 is a Protected Wreck site and can only be visited with a licence, available from Historic England.
Visit the virtual wreck tour at: https://www.cloudtour.tv/u8/
Competitions
WIN a Bigblue Expandable Tray!!!

For this week’s competition, we’ve teamed up with our good friends at Liquid Sports to give away a Bigblue Expandable Tray as a prize!!!
The Bigblue expandable tray (176mm-287mm) has fittings and screws to attach action and compact cameras. The base and handles are made from high grade aluminium with the handles having a neoprene grip. The package also includes clamps and adaptors for 1” ball and YS light fittings.
To be in with a chance of winning this awesome prize, all you have to do is answer the following question:
In a recent post on Scubaverse.com (which you can read here), we reported that the Handicapped Scuba Association South Africa has announced plans to host their 6th Annual fundraising event “HSASA 50hr Dive–A-Thon 2021” this year. But on what dates will the event take place?
Is it:
- A) 15th – 17th October
- B) 22nd – 24th October
- C) 29th – 31st October
Answer, A, B or C to the question above:
Dive Training Blogs
Jeff chats to… Jim Elliott and Tinamarie Hernandez of Diveheart (Watch Video)

In this exclusive Zoom interview, Jeff Goodman, Scubaverse Editor-at-Large, chats to Jim Elliott, Founder and President of Diveheart, and Tinamarie Hernandez who is the organization’s Executive Director.
Diveheart is a US-based, nonprofit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization which aims to provide and support educational scuba diving programs that are open to any child, adult or veteran with a disability, with the hope of providing both physical and psychological therapeutic value to that person.
In their own words:
We’ve discovered the forgiving, weightless wonder of the water column provides the perfect gravity-free environment for those who might otherwise struggle on land. Underwater, we’re all equal.
Diveheart works with individuals who have a variety of disabilities, including physical and developmental disabilities, vision and hearing impairments, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and more. Diveheart seeks to help its participants “Imagine the Possibilities” in their lives.
Find out more about Diveheart and their valuable work at www.diveheart.org.
Rather listen to a podcast? Listen to the audio HERE on the new Scubaverse podcast channel at Anchor FM.
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