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SWANAGE
DIVE SITES |
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KYARRA.
50 34.90N; 01 56.59W. 20 minutes from Swanage Pier and three quarters
of a mile off Anvil Point. Torpedoed in 1918, she now lies in
30m. A large wreck at 415 feet long, rising approximately 10m
above the seabed at the stern. Although well broken, large sections
of the wreck are intact and in good visibility. she makes for
a spectacular dive. Well worth several dives. Diving
the Kyarra
N.B. More information on the Kyarra can be found at
www.sskyarra.com
BETSY ANNA. 50 37 00N; 01 48 86W. At 206
feet long, 880 tons, this steam ship sank whilst under tow in
bad weather in 1926. She is lying upright in 24m of water, approximately
5 miles East of Swanage. Although upright, she is well broken,
with her boilers and bow section her most prominent features.
The bows rise approximately 4m from the bottom. Divernet
wreck tour
FLEUR DE LYS. 50. 37.4N 01 56.0W. Just ten minutes
from the pier and within Swanage Bay, this wreck can be dived
at most states of the tide. Being of wooden construction, she
is now quite badly broken. At a depth of 13m and on her starboard
side, the abundant marine life makes for an easy and interesting
dive.
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AEOLIAN SKY.
50 30.55N; 02 08.33W. 16,000 ton general cargo ship, sunk 5 miles
off St. Aldhelm's Head on 4th November 1979. This huge wreck now
lies on it's port side with the stern superstructure standing approximately
10m. proud of the seabed. Although largely intact, she is very broken
and twisted.
Divernet
wreck tour.
CARENTAN. 50
34.95N; 01 56.18W. French submarine chaser (Chasseur No. 5) Capsized
on 21st December 1943 in a S.W. storm. Only 6 of her crew of 23
were saved. Also 20 minutes from the pier and close to the Kyarra,
she is now lying in 32m. Approximately 120 feet long, she is now
very badly broken and does not stand very proud, perhaps only 2-3m.
Diving the Carentan.
FUEL BARGE. 50 33.51N; 01 57.47W. This small
wreck sits upright and intact in 36m and has the appearance of a
landing craft about her. |
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FIRTH
FISHER. 50 34.82N; 01 56.10W. 168 foot cargo
steamer. She now lies in 37m, is upright and quite intact. She
is quite buried towards the bows but the max. depth of 37m can
be found where her propeller used to be. Diving
the Firth Fisher. |
DRIFT DIVES
PEVERIL
LEDGES These rock ledges can either be dived across
The Inner Ledge where depths range from 12m to 18m. or the Outer
Ledge where depths range from about 24m to 30m. It is possible
to get 34m briefly in some areas. This is known locally as The
Well. It is possible to do this dive without the possibility of
going into it.
OLD HARRY. Depending on the tides a pleasant
drift can be had either towards Old Harry coming from Swanage
Bay or from Old Harry towards Swanage. Look out for flat fish,
gurnard, undulate rays, dogfish even smooth hounds. As this area
of the coastline was used for target practice during WW2, brass
aircraft shells can sometimes be found.
ANVIL POINT LIGHTHOUSE. Close inshore
this site has large rocks and boulders providing hiding places
for crabs and lobsters. As long as you stay close inshore you
won't drift very much at all in depths of around 10m. If you do
want a drift dive get your boat skipper to put you in further
out in about 16m and depending on the tides, enjoy the ride. |
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SWANAGE PIER.
This classic south coast dive can still provide plenty to see,
and can be dived at any state of the tide. In the summer months
the pier legs are completely covered with invertebrate life. Sea
squirts, sponges, hydroids, anemones not to mention the hundreds
of Tom Pot blennies, gobies, wrasse, sea bass, john dories, crabs,
lobsters, squat lobsters, cuttle fish, squid, we even see the
odd trigger fish. Please click here
to see Andy Bennett's Swanage Pier pictures.
TANVILLE LEDGES. Located in the middle
of Swanage Bay and only minutes from the pier this is a shallow
dive, approximately 9-10m. The rocky outcrops provide shelter
for marine animals and plants. This is a perfect place for new
divers to explore. |
SWANAGE OLD PIER. Just
a short swim from the new pier is the old pier. Although the decking
is no longer there and the marine life is not so abundant, it is
always worth a look amongst the rocks and weed around the old pier
legs. Old bottles, clay pipes and old coins are amongst the things
that have been found. |
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