S.S. Thistlegorm

[rustferret]

Ok so we all know that the Thistlegorm is closed at the moment, the powers that be are drilling holes in the wreck to let out all the air that is trapped, and are putting mooring buoys around it.
Now if my memory serves me well there was a report some were on the tinternet saying that the work was progressing well. (maybe someone could find it for me)
Sooooo why was it when I dived the Thistlegorm last week I saw absolutely not sign of any work having been done? I went in all holds, stern to bow, and out to the train on the port side.......Nothing.
Certain allegations have been made to me but I’m not sure it would be wise to repeat on line.
I know others in here have dived it very recently, and others will be in the coming weeks, lets have some updates on what work is going on. Am I correct in saying its being funded from the UK.

Rustferret

[Red Sea Shadow]

Enclosed is what they sent us, although I don't trust it 100%. BTW, as far as I know, reputable dive ops stopped doing Thistle starting November 15th!!!

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM HEPCA: - CHANGE OF CLOSING PERIOD !

The main conservation operation on the SS Thistlegorm is now scheduled to start on 2nd December 2007 and will last for 15 days. During this period, no diving activity will be permissible on the wreck for safety reasons. During the intense conservation operation, the SS Thistlegorm will acquire a complete buoy mooring system; separate descent and ascent lines; and air-escape outlets to allow for pockets of disposed air from scuba tanks to escape. The closure is part of the Saving The Red Sea Wrecks Campaign, which was launched by HEPCA at the UK Dive Show in October.

We hope that all diving operators and organizations will stand together to assist in the realization of this unique operation and the Saving The Red Sea Wrecks Campaign.
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[GLOC]

Rustferret,

I know that following some Skype conversations day before yesterday with Faisal on MV Tala (Red Sea Explorers), they are indeed carrying out work on the Thistlegorm and he posted some videos in the last week or so of the work they have been carrying out.

He also said that the delay was caused by the late delivery of the mooring blocks from Saudi Arabia.

As was shown, drilling into thick steel isn't easy when you can't lean heavily on the drill to put pressure on it!!

[Fiona]

lets have some updates on what work is going on. Am I correct in saying its being funded from the UK.

Rustferret

If you are worried your money is not being used wisely why not keep up to date on the HEPCA website, since they are doing the work. According the the website if you have a look work started on Tuesday 4th.

[Bardo]

A selection of videos of the conservation efforts here...

YouTube - Drilling for Conservation

YouTube - Installing a Monta Mooring system

YouTube - Save Our Wrecks

[Woz]

Ummmmm not wanting to pick- but had any of that lot ever tried drilling underwater before? It would appear not from the videos. If you need to push on the drill, the first thing to do is get a strap round the thing you're drilling so you have something to oppose the force needed to drill through the steel.

It's like watching Digger use a screwdriver. You just want to snatch the tool off him and get a proper job done.

[HP]

They were waiting for the concrete mooring buoys to arrive from Saudi before they started work and they were a bit late. I dived her 3 times last week and she remains magnificent - lets hope for a long time to come

[Eee]

Well fingers crossed they finish the work before I go out there on the 15th, as I'd hate to miss it...

[Air Guzzler]

Well fingers crossed they finish the work before I go out there on the 15th, as I'd hate to miss it...

I also leave on the 15th and have my fingers and toes crossed Who are you diving with Eee

[Dave Crampton]

Gosh!! Watcing all that air escape from the pockets in the hull! Now if that aint a good enough reason to change to CCR in wrecks I don't know what is.