Somali

[Buoyant Babe]

Originally Posted by Northern Man

Yes TLS is our Diving Officer, although we're having a well deserved break from him at the minute as he's in Oz

Only kidding Kev!

I'll put a post up after the weekend on whether the diving was any good.

These pensioners certainly know how to make the most of their retirement, dont they!

[Zaf]

Originally Posted by GaryRE

Got a chance to dive the Somalia May 25th/26th, I know its at 30m but thats all, how good is it ? What should I expect?

Should I jump at it?

Gary

Gary
Its a brilliant rummage dive and you never know what you might find if you look hard enough. My mates and I dived it last weekend 3 times and found some very unusual, nice bits and bobs , I won't elaborate further. The place to be is in the debris field below the boilers.
On the other hand if you just fancy a swim around it thats impressive too , the engine block is huge and never fails to impress.

Best with a 32 - 34% nitrox fill to maximise your time, viz can be really good on the flood slack a little later in the year 15 mtrs + . Although the first dive last week was about 3 mtrs improving to around 5 - 6 mtrs by the third dive
I have dived this wreck many times over the last 19 years and there is always something new to see / find after the winter storms if you look carefully.

As for the lead soldiers, a mate of mine was boasting back on the boat after a dive how sharp eyed he was as he showed off the head and shoulders of a toy soldier. Not to be outdone I promptly produced from my pocket the HAT for it ! and scoffed at him for not looking hard enough , all good fun and thats what this dive is all about so go and enjoy it and post your trip report
all the best
Zaf

[big kev]

Nobodys mentioned the cargo of boots yet, if I'm thinking of the correct wreck - Ron will soon put me right.

Part of the cargo that washed up on shore after The Somali blew up was thousands of boots destined for the troops. The locals couldn't believe their luck and to this day can still be seen wearing them! Only trouble is, for security reasons (should they fall into enemy hands) they were never shipped in pairs - they're all right boots! Didn't seem to bother the people of Beadnell and North Sunderland though - much like the Egyptians walking round in Thistlegorm wellies!

Kev.