Deep Wrecks In Scapa - The Highlights So Far

[thehappychappy]

2am start tomorrow.....

Where the hell are you heading for?

The Ice Prince....


Davie

[pauldiving]

good viz up there!

bring some back!

[Buoyant Babe]

good viz up there!

bring some back!

Nooo! Leave it all there for me on 1 June

[GLOC]

We woke to a calm sea and glorious blue sky, the temperature could be 10 degrees warmer but beggars can’t be choosers…

The itinerary for today was the Kron Prinz and the Brummer, 2 shallower wrecks before we go out of the Flow and go for a couple of 55-60m wrecks while the weather is good.

Out to the Prinz and down the shot. Barry had already briefed everyone that we needed to turn to the left (facing the wreck) to go aft and find the large 12” guns under the wreck. Unfortunately Ash and Dave were first down the shot so by the time Andy, Paul and myself got there, you couldn’t see anything! After a rummage around we did find some clear water before setting off aft. I spent a little time trying to get the camera setup for tomorrow so I wouldn’t waste anytime faffing at depth! Andy and I reached the stern and saw the rudders which weren’t in as good a state as the Markgraf’s and I am sure that they aren’t as large. We then set off forwards on the port side (open side) and found several good swim-throughs and the crow’s nest. Off to the bow and we found Grant rummaging around for scallops and squat lobsters and then Ash and Dave doing the same. Dave seemed completely nonchalant when I gave his torch which had been dragging through the silt on the bottom leaving a nice furrow and sheds loads of silt Vis was around 8-10m with the water at 8-10 degrees. These SANTIs really are the dog’s danglies for diving in cold water. Run times have been upto 80 minutes for myself, Andy and Paul and the breather boys are doing around the 90 minute mark.

Another cracking lunch provided by Helen. This time it was a grill-up as she doesn’t have a large enough hob to cook a fry-up for 12 people!

Grant joined us for the second dive on the Brummer after sitting out the first dive as a precautionary measure. This site rates as one of my top dives up here due to the large swim-throughs that can be found. It also provides some excellent photo opportunities, especially as the sun has decided to come out and play.

Ash and Dave were squat hunting on this dive so that we had a fish starter to the chicken curry which Helen was making for dinner. Needless to say that we weren’t disappointed and I must say that the rebreather boys do have their uses

Ash required a little wash down after the second dive as he was so covered with rust after he had been doing some serious ferreting on the Brummer. So much so that Hazel lubed him up with washing up liquid and then he went down the ladder for a quick rinse off.

Back on the boat and some fairly major fettling required; 3 empty O2 Js off, 4 on. As we have an early start tomorrow and then a lot of hanging around waiting for the tide, gas filling will be done tomorrow. We are off east outside the Flow and we have to cross the Pentland Firth on one tide and then wait for the next tide for the dive. Oh well. Let’s just hope the swell isn’t too bad that we fall out of the top bunks on the transit which starts at 2am!


Andy with one of the guns on the Kron Prinz

Dave with some of his scallops

Another gun with some bloody urchin in the way

Grant looking for his dinner, doesn’t anyone feed the poor lad

Andy inside the Brummer

Andy outside the Brummer!

As above

[thehappychappy]

Great pics and a great report, keep it coming

Davie

[copperband]

Tip top pics Gloc, keep them and the tales coming.

What are you using for a net connection whilst up there?

[purple vonny]

I 'm turning dyslexic and kept reading "Bummer" for Brummer. I'm see you are enjoying the sea creatures. Did you have scollies in garlic butter for dinner after the curry?

Enjoy the bumpy night!

[GLOC]

Tip top pics Gloc, keep them and the tales coming.

What are you using for a net connection whilst up there?

The Ferry Inn now has an open Wifi connection

I know that Hazel, Helen and Ash all use a GPRS dongle to upload stuff when they don't come into the Ferry Inn. They don't mind as long as you buy a pint or 2

There is still quite a lot of snot in the water and when under the wrecks, the winter's rusticles start dropping, making wide angle shots a little difficult to keep the sh*t out of

[big_si]

Sweet!!! Keep the reports and Pics coming Gareth!! Getting more and more excited! Can't wait 'til I'm there in August!!!!!

[big_si]

The Ferry Inn now has an open Wifi connection

COOL!!!