Tuesday – The Betsy Anna

Loading the cars in the hot morning sun and with the expectation of the week ahead, it was down to the Kimmeridge camp site, and stake our claim to the best pitch, before heading to Swanage Pier, our diving base for the next few days.

With a midday ropes off, the kit was loaded and we started our cruise out to the wreck of the Betsy Anna, lying in just 24m, the wreck is known for its abundance of life amidst plenty of scrap to rummage around.

Hitting the water first, it was down the shot line and the viz a very respectable 10m living up to its reputation of offering shoals of fish swimming around us. The boiler first, Dave took the opportunity to take some pics with his new camera, being joined shortly after by our fellow divers, Lucy and Rachel heading off in the direction of the bow. Following the prop shaft to the stern, passing Justin and Martin who were gathered around a rather large winch, sat upright on the sea bed off to the starboard side of the ship.

At the stern although well broken, it was stil recognisable as the back end of a ship, the prop-hub clear of the sand with the remains of the rudder gear and vessel structure rising several meters above us. After a good nose we followed the prop-shaft forward to take a look at that winch passed earlier. This was now home to Mr. Pincher, who posed nicely for a pic or two. Heading back to the boilers and a closer look at the engine now lying on its side, our gauges said it was time to go, so up went the DSMB.

Back on the boat it was smiles all round and back to Swanage for lunch at the cafe.

Dive two was under the pier at just 4m with great viz and plenty of ambient light. All clutching cameras and with Justin trying out his fancy new wrist-mount video camera, the pier was alive with critters, Tompot Blennies, Velvet Swimming Crabs and a rather nice Pipefish nestled among the sea grass.

With the diving over it was time to head for the camp-site and get the BBQ & fire going.

Who went: Dave, Rachel, Lucy, Mike, Martin & Justin