Artifical Reef

[NorthernTechnical]

A new project team has been set up within the club in the hope to set up an artifical reef at the tearooms dive site using a 100 foot wreck which we're at this moment in time looking to take over ownership of.

Over the years and during the charity events at the Tearooms on Loch Fyne, Atlantic Divers has built up a good relationship with Frank and Eileen and the rest of the staff there. About 18 months ago Ian and Frank started talking about what possibilites there would be to make the site more attractive to divers. Ian came up with the idea of sinking a wreck to create an artificial reef.
About a year ago Ian approched the Irvine Maritime Museum and inquired if they had any boats they did'nt want. They offered a 50 foot fishing boat. All the procdures were carried out with the sinking the wreck such as permission from FEPA and also the MCA. Unfortunately we were informed that, the owners of the fishing boat wanted it broken up instead of sunk and used for a reef.
We now at the stage of taking ownership of a 100 foot steel coaster weighing 300 tons. It is sunk in 2 mtrs of water just now completey exposed at low tide. It is in good condition and easy to refloat. Due to Ian's experience in the Salvage Industry he will be over seeing this project.
As much help and support will be needed to make this possible, first refloat the wreck and then prepare it and clean it ready for sinking at the end of the spit at the tearooms.

The team so far consists of:

Ian
Lindsay
Tam
James
Dave
Scott(regthing)
Loudy
Kim

The project is relatively large in scale and sources of funding will have to be thought of.

If anyone else would like to help out get in touch with anyone on the team

Thanks

[IFAIRLEY]

Aye okay but can we pick straws for who gets to go down with the ship :D

[Scuba Steve]

I think this is a fantastic idea!!:cool:

[IFAIRLEY]

What about sinking some cars too

[NorthernTechnical]

I think this is a fantastic idea!!:cool:

Your more than welcome to take part

cheers

[Scuba Steve]

Your more than welcome to take part

cheers

would love to help out with that , but it does sound like a huge undertaking tbh! Just how far does this coaster need to be moved/towed? And just out of curiosity what exactly does one of these vessels look like? do you have any pics?

[chris]

Sounds great, I was nearly involved with sinking a couple of landrovers at the caves, but we couldn't get permission from SEPA or the local authority. The person involved had the landrover stripped ready to go, but no agreement could be reached, would have been fun down there!
I also looked into sinking stuff in Ratho Quarry when there was an idea of developing it into a Dive Facility (fell by the wayside) but I was in discussions with a company regarding sponsorship of the items we were going to sink.

I will keep abreast of the situation and follow developments, if I can offer any useful help then I will.

[lindz]

Once all is confirmed I will get some pics off Ian
The Disance is about a 12 hour tow......already got a quote from the last project
Thanks:D

[kevwatson]

Best wishes to all in this effort. I know that ScotSAC have used this site for training on a number of occaisions, and some friends and myself put down a baseline using a number of concrete blocks and rope for attaching buoys to, so that ascents could be done safely, though i am told the baseline may have moved a bit as the last set of buoys that were placed there, didn't have enough slack on them. The next time i am up there i will put it back where it should be. :D

If i can be of assistance, then let me know.

[lindz]

Thanks Kev
Our club put a load of concrete blocks in their on our charity dive.
Cheers, keep you in mind for fundraising :D

[kevwatson]

I found a couple on the inside bit of the reef, with Atlantic Divers etched into them, not sure if that is where they were meant to be. I also placed a block in the middle of the bay , which was for compass courses, but it was too silty out there and the block may have moved also, don't tell SEPA ..........................Honest your honour, i dropped it :rolleyes:

[Mr Flibble]

Yeah I'll lend a hand. Should be an interesting exercise. I'm especially good at sinking boats. :D

[craigbrls]

Il help if my legiments have healed up:(

[gordon mackie]

As long as I get to bung a gnome on it :-)

[Dave1701]

Not really if I can be of any assistance but if you do need an extra pair of hands then I am more than willing to help.. What a fantastic idea

[stew]

happy to lend a hand where i can, time permitting etc.

[Bikerbill]

Count me in as well

[scottish-diver]

This sounds like a cracking project to be involved in so put me down on the list of willing helpers.

I met Ian and Linz at the Quarry Tearoom a few weekends ago and they told me all about it.

Looking forward to getting involved.

[Dave1701]

Any further developments/news?

[NorthernTechnical]

At present I am in back and forward discussions with CPA (Clyde Port Authority).
They are giving me permission to start working on the wreck, but the area surrounding it has to have all hazards removed first for the lift phase of the project. I will be on the site after the 4th Jan to survey it, and shall keep you posted. Cheers:)

[Midton]

Very interested but short of free time. Would like to become involved, keep me posted.

Al.

[Mikey B]

I'd be interested depending on timing :cool:

[scottish-diver]

Is there any news on how the project is going and how we can get involved?

[lindz]

At this moment in time we are awaiting conact from CPA for the go ahead in handing over ownership.

After that we can make a start on refloating the chosen vessel.

We'll be having a wee chat about it at Atlantic Divers AGM next week, your more than welcome to come along or call Ian(07979755537).

the more hands on the better

:D:D:D

[scottish-diver]

Thanks for the info :)

Look forward to helping out in whatever way I can.

I'll try and make it to your AGM meeting next thursday.

[Bikerbill]

Yes, me too. Is it still the Bonnie Prince Charlie? Would Ian want some gnomes as well? :D

[diver_cam]

do we have photos of the mighty veshil? :D

[jas]

Yes, me too. Is it still the Bonnie Prince Charlie? Would Ian want some gnomes as well? :D

New venue for the meeting is the Times Square pub at St Enochs Sq in Glasgow,

address:


46-48 ST. Enoch Square,
GLASGOW,
G1 4DH

[NorthernTechnical]

Update on Wreck

Handing over project plan for refloating vessel to CPA on Friday and also having a meeting with the Harbour Master.

Should be moving onto the next stage soon

Keep your fingers crossed:)

[IFAIRLEY]

Whats the next stage?

[NorthernTechnical]

Survey of vessel and attempt to refloat, before dealing with FEPA to gain relevant permits to scuttle a vessel onto HM Government seabed.
If this is not granted on any article placed on the seabed there can be a fine upto 50,000 and 2 years in jail....so everything by the book:)
:)