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SUBSEA
Ireland’s Only Diving Magazine
DIVING
NARVIK
B4
Vol. 10 No. 162
Autumn 2018
Dive Gear Servicing
Legacy of the SS Laurentic
RMS Leinster 100th Anniversary
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2 SubSea Autumn 2018
SUBSEA ISSN 0791 - 475X
CONTENTS
Volume 10 Number 162 Autumn 2018
5 EDITORIAL
Editor's comment
5 BRIEFINGS
What’s happening at home and abroad
6 DIVE EQUIPMENT SAFETY
Interview with George O’Rourke of Lambay Diving
11 A GUIDE TO SOME COLOURFUL MOLLUSCS
By Seasearch Ireland
14 NORTH EAST DIVE RALLY 2018
By Don Baldwin
17 CURRAGH SAC 60TH PARTY
By Gar Spollen
20 THE LEINSTER – A WRECK DIVE LIKE NO OTHER
Picture of Nudibranch, by Laura Connolly.
By Michael Schütz
Take on the Artic Monkeys Trip to Narvik
21 NAUTICAL ARCHAEOLOGY SOCIETY NEWS
Up-coming Events and Diving Protected Wrecks
Attention SubSea contributors 22 THE LEINSTER
• Submit all material to the Editor at editor@diving.ie By John Hailes
or to Head Office
• Material must arrive well in advance of the deadline.
26 THE ARCTIC MONKEYS – NARVIK 2018
• Pictures are essential to illustrate news items and articles. By Colm Lowney
• Authors must remember that they bear responsibility to 32 THE LAURENTIC LEGACY
ensure that material is not copied from another
copyrighted publication.
An Ulster-Canada initiative
• Ensure that digital photos submitted are: 120 pixels/cm 37 RED LINE FOR RMS LEINSTER
(300 dpi) and sized at 30cm X 21cm. By Roy Stokes
40 EXPLORING BRITAIN’S HIDDEN WORLD
SubSea is published by the Irish Underwater Council. The
views expressed are not necessarily those of the Council. Book Review by Tim Butter
The magazine is not intended as an invitation or prospectus to
41 THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE LEINSTER
members of the public or other interested parties to dive on any of the Book Review by Martin Baillie-Johnston
sites that are mentioned in the text and anyone intending to do so
should take appropriate advice with regard to the safety and viability of 42 LOUGH DERG SUB AQUA CLUB CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
their proposed actions. Boarding a wreck requires the permission of
OF DIVING
the owner. Diving on a 100 year old wreck requires a permit.
43 OUR CLUB: BURREN SUB AQUA CLUB
Edited by: Martin Baillie-Johnston
46 DIVING FOR TREASURE
Advertising: Sarah Campbell
Book Review by Denny Lawlor
Proofreading: Eibhir Mulqueen
Colm Lowney 47 UNDERWATER HOCKEY NEWS
Typesetting and Design: Bernard Kaye Latest news and results
Honorary Archivist: Marie Grennan Affiliated to 49 SNORKEL NEWS
SubSea, Irish Underwater Council, County Longford Scuba Divers snorkel activities
78a Patrick St., 51 MART AND EXCHANGE
Dun Laoghaire Co. Dublin.
Tel: (01) 2844601. Fax: (01) 2844602.
Web site: www.diving.ie CMAS Spring 2019 Issue Deadline
E-Mail: info@diving.ie All articles for inclusion in the next issue of SubSea
should be sent to the editor before December 20th.
Printed by Doggett Print & Design, Dublin. All advertising should be sent to CFT Head Office before December 20th.
Tel: (01) 453 3151. Fax: (01) 453 3156.
SubSea Autumn 2018 3
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4 SubSea Autumn 2018
BRIEFINGS
National Water Forum
As many readers will be aware, there have been a number of reports from the
Editorial Environmental Protection Agency over recent months that have highlighted the
fact that water quality in Irish rivers, lakes and inshore waters is deteriorating.
Hello again. I can’t The EU Water Framework Directive seeks to improve water quality right across
believe we are Europe and Ireland has sought to comply with this directive. So it is very
disappointing that, in spite of the State implementing the requirements of the
already in October,
directive, we have an on-going reduction in water quality.
what a fabulous In blunt terms, our rivers, lakes and coastal waters are not as clean as they
summer we had and should be and do not have the biodiversity that would be expected. This is not
as I write this the simply an environmental issue – every single one of us depends for our health on
Sun is still shining outside. a supply of clean water coming out of our taps. If this water is now more polluted
As usual we have another great edition, than it should be, then this is a problem that affects every person in the country.
packed full of diving and maritime articles from The EPA have identified agriculture, waste water treatment, forestry and the
changing of river banks as some of the more significant activities responsible
both home and abroad. Just to remind everyone for the declining quality. One of the reasons that previous efforts to improve
if you want your club featured in subsea then get water quality have not been effective is that people on the ground with an
in touch, I want to hear from as many clubs as interest in water quality were unaware of the programmes organised by the
possible around the country, let us know about various State bodies to improve water quality. In other words, there was a lack
your club and the diving in your area. of stakeholder participation.
Oct 10th marks the 100 Anniversary of the In order to try to address these issues, the Irish government recently
launched the River Basin Management Plan for Ireland (2018-2021). The
sinking of the RMS Leinster. Over 500 people
RBMP is a far-reaching plan to improve the quality of Irish waters from the
lost their lives in the sinking of the RMS smallest upland brook to the sea, including lakes and groundwater. One
Leinster, which makes it the greatest single loss feature of the RBMP is the establishment of the National Water Forum. This
of life in the Irish Sea. In this edition of Subsea Forum, which was launched in April 2017 from representatives of stakeholder
we have three articles on the RMS Leinster, organisations with an interest in water quality, became a statutory body in
kindly submitted by Roy Stokes, John Hailes and June 2018. The Forum allows stakeholders to impact on Government policy
and legislation with regards to the improvement of our waters. A variety of
Michael Schultz.
sectors are represented on the Forum, including agriculture, business, tourism,
Colm Lowney gives us a guide on diving the environmental groups, water consumers, education and, critically, water-based
wrecks of Narvik in Norway, whilst at home Tim recreation. Our former Scientific Officer, Tim Butter, was nominated as the
Butters tells us all about the National Water representative for the Irish Underwater Council and was subsequently
Forum. accepted on to the Forum to represent the interests of the IUC plus a number
As well as all that we also have updates on of governing bodies involved in recreational water activities, including surfing,
Seasearch, the North East Dive Rally and an sailing, canoeing, swimming, etc., in addition to diving and snorkelling.
The Forum meets around once a month to discuss issues relating to water
article on Dive Equipment Safety from Lambay
quality, and to use these debates to provide submissions and recommendations
diving. We join two clubs as they celebrate their to Irish Water, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government,
anniversaries, the Curragh Sub Aqua Club etc. This is a rare opportunity for recreational water users, including IUC
celebrates 60 years and the Lough Derg Sub members, to have a voice that will be heard by central government on an issue
Aqua Club celebrates 25 years. Also, the that is central to our hobby. If you have specific issues that you would like to
Laurentic Legacy tells us all about the work they have raised via the Forum, please contact Tim on timothy.butter@gmail.com
do to remember those lost on the SS Laurentic.
We have updates on NAS News, Snorkel
News, UWH News, book reviews and an article
from the Burren Sub Aqua Club in the “Our
2018 Inter-varsities
Club” section. The NUIG-GMIT Sub Aqua Club have been given the challenge to host this
Please feel free to drop me a line if you have year’s Diving Inter-varsities. The event will be held over the October bank holi-
day weekend in Killary Harbour. We are hoping to host as many college clubs
any suggestions or ideas of what you would like as we can to try and spread the enjoyment of diving in the wild Irish West. Kil-
to see in Subsea. lary is the perfect spot for divers with both high and low levels of experience.
Many thanks to all the people who helped We want to host a weekend full of good diving and a bit of craic to bring to-
prepare this edition of Subsea. gether college clubs from all around the country.
For more information on the event don’t be afraid to contact us.
Safe Diving
Marty Briana@galwaydiving.com
NUIG SAC Rep
SubSea Autumn 2018 5
Dive Equipment Safety
We all recognise that replacing dive equipment is not cheap, but if properly cleaned,
stored and packed, your dive gear can serve you well for many years. It is also well
documented that the potential exists for dive equipment failure where regular checks
for defects and maintenance and servicing are not carried out at the recommended in-
tervals as per dive standards and recommendations. Ensuring your dive gear is in good
working order is often a common topic discussed with new and experienced divers alike
Interviewer: all levels of scuba diving from due to bad filling practice from a
Hi George, thanks for the invitation recreational up to various technical compressor to cylinder where moisture
across to speak to you on the topic of grades. or oil enters the cylinder. Another
dive equipment safety. Can you tell us important point to note here is
a little bit about your test centre and Interviewer: concerning insufficient compressor
experience? I understand that you service and test maintenance intervals and in turn
many types of dive gear. To start with, filling practices of dive cylinders. A
George: can you tell our readers what your compressor should be serviced
Lambay Diving was original founded most common reasons for failing regularly ensuring that the filling whips
by John Walsh of Killmessin in Co Cylinders are and why? and connections are all in good
Meath has been operating in the dive working order. Clubs should have their
equipment service industry for the past George: air tested at lease twice a year to
19 years. I took over in 2005 and test In general, the vast majority of failures confirm they are filling cylinders with
and service many different types of are due to internal and external clean air which is free from any
dive gear before and during the dive corrosion of cylinders, both of which contamination such as oil and
season for both recreational and may lead to compromising the moisture. It is all of these factors which
technical divers. These include designed limits of a cylinder while in will inevitably shorten the life of a dive
servicing sets of dive gear for clubs and use or during a fill. This applies to both cylinder. The actual standard states
dive schools. We also source and resell steel and aluminium cylinders. We find that the air from the compressor
an extensive range of dive gear to meet that internal corrosion mainly occurs should be tested every quarter of year,
Internal corrosion. Corrosion on pillar valve treads.
6 SubSea Autumn 2018
Importance of regular testing and servicing
and something integrated into many diving organisations training practices worldwide.
Although it can seem like a tiring process, it not only makes financial sense to maintain
your dive gear but also for your own individual safety while diving and to care for your
gear so that it performs as you would expect it to. We recently took a trip across to
Lambay Diving to interview with the owner, George O’Rourke and learn about some
of the aspects of dive gear safety from a recognised testing house perspective.
however most clubs in Ireland have flows due to the restriction of internal emphasise the importance of
about 6 to 8 months of diving per year parts which are designed to move or procedural cleaning and testing
so with good maintenance of the open and close during normal frequencies. After your day’s diving, I
compressor twice a year testing the operation. Uncontrollable free-flows, recommend soaking your dive
quality of your air should be sufficient. as most will understand may pose a regulator in warm water making sure
serious hazard to divers and in some you have installed the Din cap/ A-
Interviewer: extreme cases leading to rapid ascents. clamp plug to stop water from entering
What are the most common problems In severe cases of internal corrosion, I your 1st stage. After soaking, wipe the
you find with regulators and what are find that there is sometimes a lack of hoses down with a clean cloth and
your recommendations? knowledge by divers regarding inspect the hoses for wear and tear
standard cleaning procedures that including the mouthpieces.
George: should be consistently followed. These
Again, while a regulator set may look can include not cleaning, rinsing or Interviewer:
visually perfect from the outside, I inspecting their dive regulator Do you have any further
frequently find internal corrosion upon sufficiently before and after each and recommendations for the care of
strip down of a regulator set. This every dive. In all cases, I recommend regulators?
happens as a result of a build-up of that regulators are inspected, tested
residues such as salt, grit or sand and and serviced by a reputable service and George:
has the potential to cause unbalanced test centre at regular intervals and Your regulator is your lifeline from the
air flow and in some instances free- secondly that Club leaders further cylinder to your lungs. Rinse your
Chipped paint exposing steel to corrosion. Rust hidden by cylinder boot.
SubSea Autumn 2018 7
Dive Equipment Safety
Pillar valve components Regulator first stage.
Second stage regulator diaphragm. Hose coupling.
regulator with warm water after every Interviewer: testing valve threads, cylinder and Din
dive and inspect the hoses and Why should we test dive cylinders? threads for any defects using calibrated
mouthpieces for any wear and tear. plug and screw gauges and then
Keep a note or log of how many dives George: inserting a small inspection light into
since your last service. Always store The primary reason is for the safety of the cylinder to ensure it is free from any
your regulator in a dry clean divers and operators. A dive cylinder moisture and rust. Then making sure
environment. If any doubt, get in typically holds back up to 1 tonne or that the valve functions properly and is
contact with a test centre and have it more of pressure from the air being free and easy to open and close. The
tested. Lambay Diving offer all divers a stored internally after a full fill so it servicing of the main Valve at the top of
free in-house diagnostic test of their makes sense that cylinders should be the cylinder involves replacing all of the
regulator sets using an regulator test regularly tested to the highest of O-rings and High Pressure seats on
station and then make standards. As a brief summary, every every hydrostatic test conducted. I strip
recommendations to further cylinder is tested to British Standards and clean every valve when a cylinder
investigate any issues found, service or and European Norm standards, and for comes in for testing regardless of the
for replacement or adjustment of dive cylinders, the testing must be test. This is then followed by stamping
components. This short test may completed every 2 and a half year. As of a cylinder with its current test date
provide divers with advance awareness example, if you purchase a dive cylinder and applying a sticker to the cylinder to
of any underlying issues with their from new in September 2018, your first show its next test date and in turn
regulator. This test may be performed test will be a visual in March 2021 indicating to the diver, dive shop of
on the spot for divers depending on which involves removing the cylinder filling station that the cylinder is in date
peak times at the centre. valve and testing. This testing includes before filling. Hydrostatic tests are
8 SubSea Autumn 2018
Dive Equipment Safety
Regulator components.
Oxygen contents gauge. Deposit buildup. Deposit buildup.
repeated every 5 years from date of Interviewer: experience an issue during a dive. I
manufacture. As example, a dive Why do divers not get their equipment find that most problems occur at the
cylinder purchased in September 2018 serviced regularly? start of the dive season where dive
requires a Hydrostatic test to be carried equipment has been stored away
out in September 2023. A hydrostatic is George: poorly or not been rinsed after a last
an additional test to the visual test; it is Sometimes cost can be a factor, dive and a diver goes to connect their
carried out to test the cylinder for however this should be immediately regulator to the cylinder to find that
strength and leaks. The cylinder is firstly overruled by the importance of the regulator begins free-flowing and
filled with water and placed in a ensuring your dive gear is working not preforming as it should.
hydrostatic pot, filled with water and optimally and as intended while
then pumped to its designed test underwater. In other cases, there is a Interviewer:
pressure, held for a short time of 30 common misconception that if it What are your views on divers buying
seconds and pressure is then released. If works, then it is fine and that it’s not new or second-hand equipment?
the cylinder passes, it is then dried, broken. Dive regulators as example
stamped, valve refitted and filled with need regular servicing to ensure free George:
compressed air ready for the customer and easy breathing efforts throughout I personally recommend that divers
to go diving. If a cylinder hasn’t been dives. There are many component buy from new. In this way they have
used in a long time, as example beyond parts to a regulator and servicing and some type of guarantee of the history
5 to 8 years, then the cylinder will maintenance of your regulator should of use of the equipment and should
require a full Hydrostatic test including be a primary consideration before and last a long time providing servicing
a valve service. in between dive seasons or if you and testing is done regularly.
SubSea Autumn 2018 9
Dive Equipment Safety
Regulator test rig.
Manufacturing guidelines do vary could be throwing their money down George:
depending on the equipment the drain. So where possible, I Always ensure that you keep your dive
purchased but typically a steel cylinder recommend buying new. Where equipment in good working order, be
should last about 20 years from new second-hand equipment is being safe and most importantly, enjoy your
and likewise for a regulator. Some purchased, I recommend bringing it in diving! If any doubt, send us an email
second-hand equipment that I’ve seen for testing prior to purchasing to check service@lambaydiving.com or call with
over the years has been well used, that it is functioning correctly. any questions regarding your dive
improperly maintained and worn and equipment. ◼
if as example a new, trainee or Interviewer:
experienced diver isn’t aware they Any final recommendations George? www.lambaydiving.com
10 SubSea Autumn 2018A guide to some colourful molluscs
Edmunsella pedata. Photo by Maja Stankovski.
A flash of yellow on a piece of kelp (Polycera quadrilineata), a blob of purple on a reef
(Edmunsella pedata), a dash of red among the hydroids (Fjorida browni) or a streak of white
on bare rock (Tritonia lineata) the sight of a nudibranch or sea slug is the highlight of many a
dive. However, due to their small size, somewhat cryptic nature (despite their bright colouration)
and a lack of awareness of resources available they remain a mystery to most divers and a clear
picture of their distribution in Ireland is unavailable. As part of Seasearch Ireland’s work we aim
to promote the casual recording of easy to identify species by all divers for those who don’t
have the time or inclination to take part in a more intensive recording scheme and this short
guide on 6 of the most common species should help you spot the hidden gems at your local site.
What is a mollusc? part of the National Marine Monitoring
Scheme has shown that while the
(www.habitas.org) edited by the same
authors is an excellent resource.
Molluscs are the second largest phylum
abundance may increase and decrease a Scottish Nudibranchs by Jim
of invertebrates and encompasses a wide
number of species are present as adults Anderson and Bernard Picton
variety of animals from your garden snail
all year round. (available as an eBook) is another
to the giant squid. In his book on the
excellent resource for identifying
biology of opistobranch molluscs, T.E.
nudibranchs in Irish waters.
Thompson says that the opistobranchs
are to molluscs what butterflies are to Resources
insects and it seems an apt analogy. The best source of information on
While perhaps an octopus or cuttlefish nudibranchs is “A field guide to the Submitting a record
may be slightly more exciting on a one Nudibranchs of the British Isles” by If you’ve seen these species of sea slugs
off basis few sights arouse the passion of Bernard E. Picton & Christine C. (or indeed any other species) email a
recorders quite like nudibranchs Morrow, and though a hard copy of photo to SeasearchIreland@gmail.com
particularly. While nudibranchs would the book is difficult to find as it is out or post on our Facebook group
always been a species I would associate of print the Encyclopedia of Marine Seasearch Ireland Identification and
with spring and summer recording as Life of Britain and Ireland Recording Group.
SubSea Autumn 2018 11Colourful Molluscs
Edmunsella pedata –
formerly Flabellina pedata
A bright pink or violet species E.
pedata is the only pink/ violet
nudibranch in Irish waters and can
grow up to 48mm in length. Found on
all Irish coasts this species is likely to
be under-recorded. There is no other
species in Irish waters this species can
be confused with, this species is bright
pink or violet with white tips to the
cerata. This species has been recorded
all year round.
Fjordia browni
A relatively common nudibranch this
species can be confused with a number
of other species in the genus Fjordia.
Typically found feeding on the oaten
pipe hydroid (Tubularia spp) this
species is typically found on rock in
areas with current. A transparent body,
the digestive glands in the cerata
(appendages on the back) can be brown
or red with a white ring on the tip.
Found on all Irish coasts, it is likely this
species is under recorded, particularly
on the south coast. Recorded March-
September.
Fjordia lineata
Another relatively common species of
Fjordia browni feeding on oaten pipe hyroids with egg spirals visible.. Photo by Lucinda Keogh. nudibranch this species can be
confused with Fjorida browni
particularly as the both feed on the
oaten pipe hydroid and may be found
together. However, in addition to the
white markings on the cerata this
species also has thin white lines
running the length of the body. There
are no records of this species from the
east coast of Ireland and few from the
south coast, however this may be a
result of recording bias rather than a
true distribution. Recorded all year
round though no records September-
November.
Tritonia lineata
Scattered, widespread distribution
around Irish coasts, there are only 29
records for this species in Irish waters
with 18 of those coming from Ard
Bear in Clifden. Typically found on
Fjordia lineata.. Photo by Lucinda Keogh.
12 SubSea Autumn 2018Colourful Molluscs
Tritonia lineata showing distinctive egg spiral. Photo by Joe Fitzgibbon.
rocky surfaces in sheltered locations
the species has a transparent white
body with two bright white lines
running either side. The gills on the
back are a distinguishing feature of
this species, typically 4-6 tufts
arranged in opposite pairs along the
back. This species is likely to be
relatively rare in Irish waters but is
likely to be under recorded from
certain sites. Recorded in every month
except March.
Doris pseudoargus (formerly
Archidoris pseudoargus) – Sea lemon
A large marine molluscs the Sea lemon is
notable for its distinctive egg cases laid
on rock or Serpula reefs. Highly variable
in colour from white to orange and
Doris pseudoargus. Photo by Maja Stankovski.
everything in between this species can
grow quite large to over 100mm in
length. The large size and mottled Seasearch Ireland
appearance mean that this species is Seasearch Ireland is an organisation that collects information on marine inshore biodiversity
unlikely to be confused with any other through a network of volunteer recorders, divers and snorkelers with an interest in the marine
species, though smaller individuals can environment. We operate a number of different schemes aimed at group and individuals of
be confused with Geitodoris planata, varying levels of recording experience: our National Marine Monitoring Scheme (Adopt a Site);
a site based species recording (Observer); or site based habitat recording (Surveyor). If you or
and both species occur in similar
your club are interested in recording marine life, adopting your local dive site for monitoring,
habitats. Found in a variety of habitats organising a training course or hosting a Seasearch dive contact us with the details below.
this species has been recorded all year
round and is found on all Irish coasts Visit our website www.diving.ie/SeasearchIreland
though gaps exist in the distribution Email us at SeasearchIreland@gmail.com
records, particularly in Cork, Kerry and Find us on Facebook or Instagram.
Wexford. ◼
SubSea Autumn 2018 13North
As storm Hector reluctantly retreated across the Irish Sea, Dundalk SAC
was busy rolling up its collective sleeves in preparation for its first North
East Dive Rally on the 16 & 17 of June. Intense preparations had of
course been on-going well in advance, with dive sites selected, shot
Situated in the north east of the Time and tide made it impossible to Set in 10m of water, the wreck of the
country, nestled between the historic conduct the first dive of the Rally ‘Falavee’ is in effect two separated
Cooley hills in the south, and the within the Lough itself, so we struck chunks of wreckage. A Steamer
majestic Mourne Mountains to the out for the wreck of the ‘Falavee’, which wrecked in 1942, it is now covered in
north, Carlingford Lough is the second lay beyond the entrance to the Lough. soft corals, and regularly patrolled by
most tidal Lough in the country after Sea conditions were brisk, and anyone local spotted cat shark fish, while a
Strangford Lough. A great deal of care who had opted to start the day on a resident conger eel tucked tightly
is required when selecting dive sites in full Irish breakfast, were soon rueing underneath the bow, keeps a wary eye
this idyllic place, as a large volume of their decision! A fresh south east on all visitors.
tidal water is regularly forced through breeze kept things lively for our For our second dive, conditions were
the deep narrow neck of the Lough, coxswains, as they dropped off their more favourable for a dive within the
hence the Nordic origin of its name divers on the wreck’s shot line, on what Lough itself at the Blockhouse, a small
‘Cairlinn Fjiord’- ‘steep sided fiord’. was an otherwise dry, bright day. bare island dominated by an elegant
old world lighthouse; a location we
happily share with the resident grey
seals. This is one of our favourite dive
sites, a serried reef wall which ranges
from 6m to 20m. A multi-shelved
edifice which provides refuge for a vast
array of life which includes sponges,
sea squirts, anemones, lobsters and
some menacing looking congers:
Though the find of the day was surely
the inquisitive Octopus filmed by
David Fox from Alpha SAC, ably
assisted by Andy Keegan on lighting!
Evening brought perfect conditions
for our third and final dip of the day, a
27m dive on the ‘Hebron’, a largely
intact trawler well outside the Lough,
situated two and a half miles east of
Kilkeel. In the calm clear conditions
this proved to be a wonderful dive.
14 SubSea Autumn 2018East Dive Rally 2018
By Don Baldwin
lines deployed, boats, compressors and equipment readied, and dates
and details announced. All of this culminated in the assembly of a veri-
table dive village near Greenore, on the shores of Carlingford Lough,
which would serve as the nerve centre for all diving activity.
Abandoned to the deep, this inviting
wreck is now festooned in bright soft
corals and vivid sponges, and guarded
by wary wrasses who eye you
speculatively as you browse the sunken
vessel.
Fortunately, the weather remained
clement for the second day of the Rally,
so we duly made the most of it, and
started the day’s diving with another
trip out to the ‘Hebron’ for those who
had missed the first dive, and also for
those who were eager for their second,
on this alluring little wreck!
The second, and final dives of day
two, and indeed of the Rally itself, were
back in the Lough, one at the
Blockhouse, and the other at another
of our favourite haunts the number
nine marker buoy: A rugged wall
ranging from 10m to 20m, which is
inhabited by the usual colourful
suspects. Here, can also be found large
lumps of coal, the lost cargo of the S.S.
Retriever, which collided with the S.S.
Connemara on a storm tossed night on
the 3 of November 1916 with the loss
of 94 souls, making it the worst
maritime disaster in the north east
region.
In total, 25 visiting divers attended
the North East Dive Rally, from nine
Clubs; Alpha, Kish, Omega, Naas,
SubSea Autumn 2018 15North East Dive Rally Hook, Aquatec, DCU, Inbher Sceine, In particular, huge credit must go to Assistant Coxswain Anthony Higgins. and Lough Ree, while a further 26 our D.O., D.O.Ds, Coxswains, Finally, I would like to thank all those attended from Dundalk SAC. Assistant Coxswains, Transportation, visitors who made the effort to It takes a lot of individual effort to Administration, and Catering, who all attend, and conclude with the apt make a Dive Rally a success, which pulled together to make a safe, words of one departing diver; “Great we hope for our visitors it was, but in enjoyable and memorable North East diving, and a great weekend, not one the end, ‘it takes team work, to make Dive Rally. Special mention must also I am going to forget for a very long the dream work!’ So I would like go to our good colleagues in Alpha time!” therefore, to take this opportunity on SAC, who among other things, behalf of Dundalk SAC to thank supplied and manned Boat 3; D.O.D. Don Baldwin. everyone who helped out in any way. & Coxswain Tom McKevitt, with Dundalk SAC. 16 SubSea Autumn 2018
Curragh SAC
60 Party
th
This year the Curragh Sub Aqua Club
celebrates its 60th anniversary. To
mark the occasion we celebrated in
style with a ball in the Hilton hotel. In
attendance were a great mix of
members new, old (and very old),
friends from other clubs including
UCD, Dalkey and Naas & Athlone.
As any diver who socialises with their
buddies will attest, the novelty of
seeing your buddies swapping wooly-
bears for formal wear never really
wears off. Salty Guinness and toasted
sandwiches were, for one night only,
replaced by a three course meal and a
glass (or two) of bubbly. Also in
attendance were the numerous under
appreciated and long suffering
partners and spouses, who had a rare
opportunity to compare stories about
dives taking considerably more than
the promised “two hours”, bathrooms
transformed into ’drying rooms’ as
well as apparent salt water damage to
the their car boots.
The night started with a champagne
reception, followed by an excellent
meal, interspersed with speeches by
our Chairman Colm Lowney, CFT
President Jean Kelleher, founding
member Mick Moriarty, and of course
the be-kilted event organiser Martin
Baillie Johnston, without whose efforts,
and those of his organising committee,
the event couldn’t have happened.
Dinner was followed by a seemingly
never ending raffle, with so many
prizes from our generous sponsors,
notably our friends in Drysuit Tailors,
Flagship Scuba and Lambay Diving, as
well as Advance Flooring, Supevalu &
The Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane, that it
felt that everyone went home with
something.
SubSea Autumn 2018 17Curragh SAC 60th
Despite our location in the
former Victorian baths on the
water’s edge in Sandycove, the
club owes its beginnings to a
cadre of army officers (including
one of Ireland’s best known
divers Mick Moriarty) based in
the Curragh camp in Kildare.
We were privileged to have
Mick there on Saturday night to
say a few words, expressing his
delight that a club formed “by
four men in a room in the
Curragh in 1958” is still going
today.
Chairman Colm Lowney put
the formation of the club into
context, looking back on
Sputnik, NASA and the space
race. He evoked hardier divers,
pioneers with “homemade
wetsuits, jumpers for warmth
and rocks in their pockets”.
Since our inception in 1958,
the club has actively supported
CFT, with the current President,
Jean Kelleher, who also serves as
our Club Training Officer
speaking at our event. Jean
discussed the combined history
of the Curragh & CFT, with a
18 SubSea Autumn 2018Curragh SAC 60th
member being its first President
and three members currently
serving on the CFT committee.
Jean discussed the benefits of
our club’s ethos of continuous
learning and improvement,
which not only improves
standards, but allows us to build
our networks around the
country. She quoted Mick
Moriarty “Trainees are the
lifeblood of CFT, and the
lifeblood of our club”.
The club owes a lot to its
former members, in the early
1960’s, after ten years based in
the Curragh camp, the club was
fortunate to be offered the old
Victorian baths Sandycove.
After a lot of work by those
members it became our new
home, complete with toilets and
hot showers, a compressor
room, lecture room and kitchen
area. It would be easy for newer
members to take for granted to
hard slog that went into making
the club what it is today. It was
wonderful to have an
opportunity to re-acquaint
ourselves with some of the
legends Ireland’s diving
community.
To repeat the Chairman’s
toast, “to the Curragh and its
members, past present and
future, here’s to sixty more
years.”
Gar Spollen
PR Officer
Curragh SAC
Photo credits: Gar Spollen &
Peadar Farrell
SubSea Autumn 2018 19The Leinster – A Wreck Dive Like No Other By Michael Schütz On Friday, the 20th. July 1984, myself and a group of divers from the Curragh, Garda and Army sub aqua diving clubs hired a trawler out of Dun Laoghaire to take us diving on the historic wreck of the Leinster. The wreck lies quite some distance out to sea, beyond the Kish bank, and the dive day was well planned, taking strong tides and possible adverse weather conditions into consideration. The weather was kind to us that day sight to behold but also quite eerie, par- and, divided into buddy groups, we ticularly when you think about the un- managed to get into the water at slack fortunate souls who perished tragically tide to avoid the strong tides in the so many years ago, all around where we area. The Leinster lies deeply embed- were diving. ded on the sandy bottom at about My dive buddy, Martin Renwick, and 30m/100ft. The visibility was reason- I made our way along the railings of the ably good that day, well, you could see wreck towards the bow, totally in awe about 3 - 5m. max. by avoiding the at the sight. Suddenly, I noticed a dark sand disturbed by other divers. Lots of opening into a small structure on deck. fish to see gliding around the structures Nosy as ever, I looked inside the open- and over the deck. It was a beautiful ing and, in the darkness, my torch 20 SubSea Autumn 2018
Leinster Wreck Dive
picked up what looked like the undula- shot line and began our ascent up to tom of the ocean it still sparkled
tion of a rack of wine bottles, all cov- the surface with our shells under our brightly!! The two carbon rods were im-
ered in fine sand. I carefully moved arms like prize possessions. mediately thrown overboard.
inside the small structure and reached There was much interest by every- Frank took the shells to the Curragh
out for one of the “bottles”. It lifted eas- body on board the trawler in the shells Army Barracks for further examination
ily, only disturbing the sand gently as it as nobody seemed to be aware that the and we got them back some time later
was totally still inside. I was absolutely Leinster mail boat had been armed. when they were deemed to be safe.
astonished to see that it was an artillery One of our diving buddies, Com. Frank They were confirmed to be British
shell!! Donovan, Ret., inspected them. He was Army artillery shells with their mark-
I passed it out to Martin who looked particularly concerned about the per- ings still quite discernible.
at me in disbelief. “What is this??” his cussion caps. The cones were corroded The Leinster – a wreck dive like no
puzzled face inside his mask seemed to but there was a bunch of carbon rods other - and one I will never forget!!
say. I went back inside again to retrieve in each shell, twisted like reads and
another shell from the rack and gave it bound in the middle. One of the jokers Michael Schütz
to Martin. There must be dozens on in the group pulled a rod out and held Curragh Sub Aqua Club
that rack (pity they weren’t wine bot- it to his cigarette……it lit up like a glow CFT No. 1243
tles). We found our way back to the light!! After nearly 70 years at the bot- Dublin, August 2018
Up-coming events: Officer to establish a dataset of
information for divers, to prepare dive
The Irish Underwater and Council licence applications for protected wreck
Nautical Archaeology Society schedule sites, with a focus on popular wreck
for 2019 will be published online shortly. sites. This would include collating
We are looking for clubs interested in published wreck data, information
hosting weekend courses with pool/open required to complete the National
water work in north and west regions. Monuments Service licence application
Notices will be issued to DOs in the for sports divers.
coming weeks.
Wrecks over 100 years old and
archaeological objects underwater,
Diving Protected Wrecks: irrespective of their age or location, are
In preparation for the dive season next protected under Section 3 of the National
year, we are working with the Scientific Monuments (Amendment) Act 1987.' ◼
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SubSea Autumn 2018 21The Leinster By John Hailes 22 SubSea Autumn 2018
We were very lucky in the Curragh for a time to have had a
member who was also a trawler man with his own boat, Brian
Crummy. A friend of Brian’s who fished out of Howth had
snagged a net on an unknown wreck in Dublin Bay which he
suspected was the RMS Leinster.
SubSea Autumn 2018 23The Leinster
Leinster telegraph stand with Bernard Moss & Mickie Lynch. Diver contemplating and Mr Connolly in background.
The trawl net had a buoy attached to the Many years later I returned to the others wielding sledge hammers, lump
cod-end (fish holding narrow end of wreck with a Curragh group and Bart hammers and assorted salvage equip-
trawl net) which marked the wreck. McMullin. We, Bart and I, decided that ment but, the reason I remember that
Brian using the latest Decca navigation the dive would be a laid-back relaxing particular dive is the number and variety
system, the forerunner of GPS, soon tour of the wreck. There was also an- of fish that inhabit the wreck.
found the wreck which indeed proved to other group from Dublin, who were Because of the danger of losing their
be the RMS Leinster. She had been sunk more interested in salvage than us. We gear, trawlers must keep well clear, thus
in October 1918, one month before the had a very pleasant dive watching the creating an underwater fish refuge. As a
armistice, by the U-boat 132. We fol- result, the wreck has a permanent ‘cloud’
lowed down the buoy line to be greeted of fish over and around it. The sand be-
with a wreck festooned with nets which side the wreck is carpeted with the most
made for careful movement. Johnny beautiful plaice and well worth a quick
King and Mickey Lynch were the first detour dive to secure a very pleasant din-
divers on her since 1918. We did not re- ner. It was all so calming Bart and I sud-
cover the entangled net because it was denly realised that we were over our
too badly caught up in the wreck, but we ‘bottom time’ and had to get out of there
did retrieve a ship’s telegraph pedestal. quick . We were not on computers al-
On board the trawler that day was Tom though on a wreck they make little differ-
Connolly who was a 17-year-old cabin ence because of the square dive profile.
boy on the Leinster when it went down. Anyway, we made it off the wreck within
Because of his young age at the time he our total admissible dive time on the
was, for many years, the oldest living Bhulmann dive tables which don’t allow
survivor. Tom was the father of Ollie as much time as the older US dive tables.
Connolly, now Mrs Shane Gray, and On returning from the Leinster we
sadly died in 1981. Tom Connolly. called in at the Kish lighthouse where our
24 SubSea Autumn 2018The Leinster
Mr Connolly watching divers kit up.
boat owner and skipper, Monty Hunter, de France ably assisted by Stephen Roche, is a 30 metre mark showing the height of
had a lighthouse keeper friend. While the date was 26th of July 1987. Later I was the lighthouse above low water, it was the
there on the TV we watched the then on the observation platform on the light- equivalent to the depth of the Leinster’s
Taoiseach Charles Haughey win the Tour house with Martin Renwick where there wreck. It was a long way down. ◼
Bernard Moss, Mr Connolly & Brian Crummy.
SubSea Autumn 2018 25The Arctic Monkeys - Narvik
Since I was a nipper I’ve always been fascinated World War 2 the battle for Norway and I had
and the idea of scuba diving. So back in late 2016 as I was with the club the Curragh SAC
searching the web one night I came across an ad for diving in being our 60th anniversary I pl
Narvik, Norway and this got me thinking… I had known about and reached out to Gordon W
Photos by Paul Rice, Colm Lowney, Irene Ha
View of Narvik from
26 SubSea Autumn 2018k 2018
d dived further south in Namsos
By Colm Lowney
wreck diving community who is based in Narvik. Between the
back in 2010. This year 2018 mails and calls we had nailed it down that we would travel and
anned to do something special dive in June 2018 and with Gordon’s words ‘let history follow
Wadsworth, legend of the British this email’ we were going to Norway.
arrison, Laura Connolly and Colin McAnaspie
m from the cable car.
SubSea Autumn 2018 27The Arctic Monkeys
Divers on the shot line.
For those of you who don’t know operations of paratroopers as well as some bulk ore carriers weighing 100k
anything about Narvik, it is situated troops landed by ship, the Germans GRT were riding at anchor. The first of
above the Arctic circle but vitally it is swiftly overran Norway. the wrecks was the S.S. Neuenfels which
an ice-free port. The port was and is The British, Norwegian and German the Germans had used as a troopship.
still used to export iron ore from forces met twice in the space of a few Like most of the wrecks we dived she
Sweden and during the war the ore days and the result was a lot of sunken was berthed when the Royal Navy, using
was of vital importance to both the ships in shallow waters, ideal for divers a snowstorm as cover surprised the
Axis and Allied causes. As a result, and what a visit it was... Kriegsmarine and attacked. Today the
this became the location of one of the Our trip didn’t get off to the greatest S.S. Neuenfels lies between 15-29m
biggest surface engagements in the of starts, on arrival in Narvik Norwegian sitting upright. Though she was wire-
European theatre during World War 2. Air misplaced three sets of gear. But swept there is still a lot to be seen. She
Norway tried to remain neutral, but undeterred we switched to two stick was in good condition and one was able
events rapidly overcame them. In 1940 diving and doubled up on the gear. Our to dive into the holds and
the Germans invaded Norway pre- first days diving was about a 30 min sail superstructure. Some war damage was
empting the Allies (who also planned from one side of Narvik to the other, visible but the wreck being so big was
an invasion) and using combined close to the iron ore terminal where difficult to see it all in one visit.
Our second dive that day was literally
100 m from the Neuenfels, so quickly
you began to realise the amount of
wrecks that were here. The S.S.
Romanby was also used by the
Germans to transport equipment when
she was attacked and sunk in the
harbour of Narvik. She now lies in 15-
30m and had been extensively salvaged
but she still looked like a proud ship. At
5000 GRT she was big and one could
swim along the decks, superstructure
and holds. When we surfaced, despite
it being June, most of us quickly dressed
into our ski gear as it was very cold.
Gordon told us that the permafrost had
only melted a few weeks earlier, and
snow was visible all over the mountains
that surrounded the fjord.
The next day we did a short trip to
Jean Keller, Colm Lowney, Irene Harrison and Jean Mahon. the site of some of the German
28 SubSea Autumn 2018The Arctic Monkeys
Teapot at wreck of the Wilhelm Heidkamp.
destroyers. These had been tied up in swim 10 m off the wreck to the Z21 to discover it was made of plastic. Back
the harbour when they were attacked by Wilhelm Heidkamp. It was a bit eerie on board everyone said ‘did you see the
the British. After the war the remains as the decking was totally smooth with plate and teapot?’. Coming back
of the ships were towed outside the no features. It was only as we headed around by the bow the sonar was also
harbour and unceremoniously dumped down the ship and crossed over the visible. An unusual dive but well worth
in shallow waters which was were we debris field did we find out that the it. Both these wrecks were relatively
were headed. The first of the wrecks ship was lying completely on its side. shallow at 20-30m.
was the Z22 Anton Schmidt, 3415 GRT In the Royal Navy attack the Wilhelm The weather was exceptional on day
and 125m in length. Descending the Heidkamp was struck in the aft three and we were determined to dive 3
shot line to the bow, one was instantly magazine by a torpedo and 81 of her wrecks so we headed out across the
able to see massive damage to the ship. crew were killed. Again, the tail fjord about 6 km from Narvik to the
In the battle she was hit by a single 120 section was a mess of pipes and inner wreck of the Z19 Herman Künne. The
mm shell followed up by a torpedo workings. Swimming along the ship at Herman Künne was at the quay when
strike, as she listed she was hit by a some stage everyone saw what we all the Royal Navy launched their surprise
second torpedo which broke her in half thought was a genuine Nazi plate only attack and, in the chaos, she became
killing and wounding over 50 sailors.
Today she sits upright on the bottom
and was great dive. We descended to
the bow and as you head down the ship
there is extensive damage to the be seen
but various aspects are visible. The
bridge, torpedo and turret barbettes
(mounts) and AA mounts are easily
identifiable. The stern section is very
badly damaged and a mess of pipes,
wiring, valves, sinks and other debris.
But it was fascinating to look at and
spot items, like a life-jacket and a
jumper etc.
The second dive of the day was down
the shot to the Anton Schmidt then Divers on the wreck.
SubSea Autumn 2018 29The Arctic Monkeys
entangled in Z22 Anton Schmidt but
after an hour managed to break free and
escape. In the ensuing action she fired
off all of her ammunition and was run
aground to avoid capture where she was
scuttled. Lying in forested inlet this was
a lovely dive. The line to the wreck
brought you to 25 m and near to the
stern section. The wreck was lying on
its side and as you dive to the stern you
can see the depth charge racks and
propeller shaft and rudder. Ascending
up the wreck it turns into a large debris
field right up to the bow in 3m. A lot to
be seen on this wreck so we actually
dived it twice before having our lunch.
The wreck went from 42m to 3m and
was at a pretty steep angle in the water.
Heading back to Narvik, we pushed
the possibility of a third dive and
Gordon suggested a reef, after we
Winch gears.
stopped laughing and explained that we
were here for the wrecks we went to the
last of the German destroyers in the
area which was the Z17 Dieter Von
Roeder. Lying close by the other
destroyers but not buoyed this was
something of chance. Gordon
explained in his Yorkshire accent that
we were to ‘swim into the sun, when I
whistle, you dive’ and boy was he right,
we landed right on top of it. This ship
was a total wreck, but when you knew
the history you understood why. The
Z17 put up a spirited fight severely
damaging HMS Cossack in the battle. It
fought on till it ran out of ammunition
(most of the German ships hadn’t
rearmed) and set scuttling charges
which were exploded once the British
boarding party reached the ship.
Nudibranch.
For our fourth and last days diving
we did another three wrecks. The first
was the S.S Strassa.
This wreck was huge and in pretty
good shape. Although it was wire
swept a lot still remained. We were
able to swim along the wooden decks
and into the massive holds. There was
swim throughs in the superstructure.
Apparently one of the holds contained
a supply of O2 cylinders and a
collection of wooden lathes also, only
the lucky few saw this.
Our next dive I thought was one of
the best. Lying in the path of the
massive bulk ore carriers, was the
Norwegian monitor, ‘The Norge’.
Part of wreck. Gordon was given special permission
30 SubSea Autumn 2018The Arctic Monkeys
and a window from the harbour
authorities to dive it so we took it.
The wreck was unusual as it was a
WW1 monitor and once the pride of
the Norwegian navy. When the
Germans arrived, they demanded its
surrender which it naturally refused, 3
minutes later it was all over with the
loss of 101 Norwegian sailors. Today
the wreck has almost turned turtle but
there was a lot to see. The turrets and
guns were visible on the sand as was
the forward mast and crow’s nest. The
design of this ship was unusual with
the reverse bow which was a feature of
the old dreadnoughts of WW1. This
ship lies where she sank so everything
lay where it had fallen. After the war
some of the parts of the ship were
salvaged and are in the excellent local Colm Lowney on the bow of the Anton Schmidt.
museum.
As a final dive in Norway we re-
visited the Anton Schmidt which
completed our Arctic expedition.
Diving in Norway was excellent, but
you needed good gear as the water was
very cold, 5 degrees Celsius. Nearly all
of us wore the excellent Fourth
Element Arctic expedition
underclothing as well as our O3 dry
suits. Mittens were worn at times but
mostly 7 mm gloves so baggage
allowances had to carefully weighed
out. Above water Norway isn’t cheap
though we did find a small pub and
frequented it the odd time. One had to
have a mindset of ‘it’s a holiday with
Temple Bar prices’ in order to enjoy
your half litre of beer…
Certainly, a memorable trip for the
Curragh Sub Aqua Club on its 60th
anniversary. Our next trip in 2018 is
the Philippines so look out for that
article in future copies of Subsea.
We stayed with Gordon Wadsworth
in his cosy home in near where his
boat the ‘Jane R’ is moored,
gordon01@globalnet.co.uk.. For the
record, there are dozens of wrecks
within the area, some much deeper
than the wrecks we were on.
Unfortunately, we were limited to the
wrecks we dived due the time we had
in Norway, but Gordon has dived on
them all so knows where they are
located and what they entail. To travel
to Narvik, we flew with Norwegian Air,
Dublin to Oslo and then Oslo to
Narvik out and back. ◼ The Jane R.
SubSea Autumn 2018 31The Laurentic Legacy The Laurentic Legacy, part of The Ulster Canada Initiative is a project whose aim is to have a memorial in place in Inishowen, County Donegal for those lives lost on the SS Laurentic. The official figure from the UK Admiralty, for the number of men who died on the SS Laurentic after she struck by two German mines and sank is 349 (some unofficial sources say 354). 32 SubSea Autumn 2018
The sinking was during WW1, on January 25th 1917. The fact that the ship was carrying gold
bullion, most of which has been recovered, seemed to overshadow the immense loss of life that
occurred from the sinking and brought home the horrors of the war at sea for the people of
Inishowen and Ireland.
SubSea Autumn 2018 33The Laurentic Legacy
Promo poster for Wine Dark Sea film.
The Wine Dark Sea
The Wine Dark Sea, Letters from the
Laurentic, a film by Harry Kerr is to
be shown at the Ballyliffin film festival
in Donegal which is on from the 28th
to the 30th September.
The film tells the story from a
personal and family perspective from
those involved, through family letters,
postcards and interviews.
The film is also available to view
online on our website, Facebook and
SS Laurentic. Twitter pages
Harry Kerr, also part of the
Laurentic Legacy team, is also
instrumental in setting up and
administrating the current Facebook
page, website and gofundme
campaign.
Legacy Team Work
The Legacy team have been
researching and uncovering
information which has helped
relatives to find out more about those
family members who lost their lives
on that fateful night. Those involved
came from Ireland, Scotland, England,
Wales, Australia, New Zealand,
Canada, USA and Newfoundland.
The process of tracing, collating and
verifying information, this is being
painstakingly done by Martha
McCulloch, who was also involved
with the film, with additional material
supplied by relatives and friends of the
SS Laurentic porthole. project from their personal archives
34 SubSea Autumn 2018The Laurentic Legacy
Crew of the Laurentic.
and the invaluable support of Peter
Threlfall, WW1 historian. The Ulster Canada links between Ireland & Canada.
This also led to the Laurentic Forum
We have also been privileged to
have met many relatives over the past
Initiative (formally known as the Laurentic
Conference) which has been running
few years, who travelled to Inishowen The Ulster Canada Initiative was as an annual event for quite a few years
to take part in commemorative initiated by project Chairman Don
events. The 100th anniversary which McNeill over 10 years ago and has
was last year 2017 was especially been hosting the annual Laurentic
poignant as it was the first time for commemoration.
many. We are grateful for their Don McNeill a Newfoundlander living
continuing support. in Inishowen wanted to preserve and
We are also appreciative of various enhance historic, cultural and business
governmental and nongovernmental
institutions, the media and individual
sponsors for their ongoing advice,
moral and financial support and all
those who have and given us help
with our Legacy project.
Internet links
facebook.com/LaurenticMemorial/
Website - laurenticmemorial.com
gofundme.com/laurentic
twitter.com/LaurenticLegacy.
SubSea Autumn 2018 35The Laurentic Legacy
Wreath laying at the Laurentic memorial in Fahan.
connecting Northwest Ireland with This year in October The Laurentic Internet links
Newfoundland & Labrador to foster Forum will be held in St Johns facebook.com/ulstercanada.initiative
growth and economic development. Newfoundland.
facebook.com/laurenticconference/
We have much more information on
our social media pages and website
about our various projects, you can
also get in touch, join the Laurentic
community, follow us on Twitter or
Facebook or donate to our gofundme
campaign.
The Laurentic Legacy is first and
foremost the remembrance of those
people who died on that cold January
night off Malin Head and for all those
names to be added to the Roll of
Honour on the monument.
It is also in deference to all those who
have been lost at sea.
“We will remember them “.
Chris Clafferty
Laurentic memorial in Fahan. Buncrana, Co Donegal
36 SubSea Autumn 2018You can also read
