GrownUpSAC PhotoGallery - Off the Needles June 2002

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There's always someone who has to go one better.

This is Salty Steve's trip out from Lymington June 29th 2002. They took two boats out, and when they were on the far side of the Needles the skipper of the other boat reported he was taking on a bit of water. Five minutes later he reported he was taking on a lot of water. Five minutes later still, and they decided boat was sinking. Most of the dive kit was got off (wings were inflated and picked up by the other boat) and the people transferred to the other boat. A mayday was issued, and the sinking boat was taken in tow back to Lymington, by now very low in the water. Very soon after, the lifeboat turned up in a very busy fashion. Sadly, the wash from its arrival was the last straw and it was finally swamped and started to go under. Fortunately the lifeboat just managed to get a turn on its winch with the line from the boat and it then started towing it. This brought the boat back to the surface and it was taken to Hurst Point where it was beached and later recovered. One of the dive computers which was on the boat logged a 35m dive. Some dive kit was lost unfortunately during the process but on the whole I think they got away with it fairly lightly.

Excellent photos, Salty, at least you know how to record a shipwreck! Thanks for letting me use them.

For those how don't know him, Salty Steve is an ex-Portsmouth University Club member. You'll find him in the member's only section.