On 31 May 2003 the Chinese Bulk Carrier the Fu Shan Hai, and the Gdynia, collided 3 miles from Bornholm, Denmark.
Although the Fu Shan Hai stayed afloat after the collision the bow kept sinking and when the master realised that the ship was in danger of sinking he transmitted a MAYDAY distress signal.
At 2049 the Fu Shan Hai sank with a harmless cargo of fertiliser and she now rests in 68 meters of water. However the ship's heavy fuel oil created a hazard for the environment. In the months following the sinking, around 1460 tons of oil were removed.
After the clean up operation was completed the Danish Maritime Authority banned diving on the wreck. However, from 29 July to 5 August 2006 a group of Technical Divers were given permission to dive the wreck and document the condition. As a result of this the Danish Maritime Authority has lifted the ban.
Latest Diving and Hyperbarics Headlines
Thursday, 29 March 2007
Pillaging Divers Fined
A French court has fined four divers for pillaging artefacts from a 57m-deep Roman shipwreck which dates back to the second century BC. Each diver was fined €1,500 (£1,018) for removing the 30 objects, which included Roman wine vases, from the wreck lying off the coast of Ciotat, 24 miles from Marseille in southern France.
The court in Marseille was told that the divers removed the objects from the wreck over a four-year period, between 2001 and 2005. The Roman vessel - which sank en route from Italy with around 1,000 vases of wine on board - was first discovered by divers in 1984.
According to French authorities, other objects may have been removed from the wreck in addition to those taken by the four French divers. Of the 1,000 vases initially recorded when the vessel was first discovered, only 278 had been counted during a 2005 inventory dive.
The court in Marseille was told that the divers removed the objects from the wreck over a four-year period, between 2001 and 2005. The Roman vessel - which sank en route from Italy with around 1,000 vases of wine on board - was first discovered by divers in 1984.
According to French authorities, other objects may have been removed from the wreck in addition to those taken by the four French divers. Of the 1,000 vases initially recorded when the vessel was first discovered, only 278 had been counted during a 2005 inventory dive.
Government backing for wireless underwater radio
A Scottish consortium has been given £560,000 in funding by the Department of Trade and Industry to research newly developed wireless underwater communication technology for divers. Researchers say the radio system would work in the same way as a wireless modem to transmit data to and from unmanned machinery and allow commercial divers to talk underwater without the need for wire connection to the surface.
Wireless Fibre Systems, will lead a £1.1 million, two-year research project consortium with other Scottish firms Tritech International and Insensys, to develop the technology.
'Over the next two years we will develop and launch a number of disruptive subsea RF products that will enhance communications, control, networking and safety,' said Brendan Hyland, chairman of lead partner Wireless Fibre Systems. 'Previously wireless communications have relied on acoustic techniques which are slow, affected by outside noise and cannot penetrate the water or air. This technology makes data transfer and communications clearer and quicker.'
The consortium plans to develop five wireless subsea products to be used in bespoke systems.
'This is cutting edge technology and that's why we're backing it,' said secretary of state for trade and industry Alistair Darling. 'We know that innovation and technology will be the key ways for Britain to maintain its place as a world leading economy.'
Wireless Fibre Systems, will lead a £1.1 million, two-year research project consortium with other Scottish firms Tritech International and Insensys, to develop the technology.
'Over the next two years we will develop and launch a number of disruptive subsea RF products that will enhance communications, control, networking and safety,' said Brendan Hyland, chairman of lead partner Wireless Fibre Systems. 'Previously wireless communications have relied on acoustic techniques which are slow, affected by outside noise and cannot penetrate the water or air. This technology makes data transfer and communications clearer and quicker.'
The consortium plans to develop five wireless subsea products to be used in bespoke systems.
'This is cutting edge technology and that's why we're backing it,' said secretary of state for trade and industry Alistair Darling. 'We know that innovation and technology will be the key ways for Britain to maintain its place as a world leading economy.'
UK divers wanted for pipefish hunt
Seasearch is appealing for divers to keep an eye out for pipefish and seahorses in UK waters during this years diving season to help scientists gauge population sizes.
The volunteer conservation group said recent scientific reports suggest rising sea temperatures have caused an increase in breeding activity among juvenile pipefish in the North Atlantic.
Seasearch is encouraging divers to record data on all seahorse and pipefish sightings throughout the UK.
'If we can get a large number of divers looking for and recording pipefish and seahorses we can make a real contribution to understanding the changes in numbers and distribution that seem to be taking place,' said Seasearch national coordinator Chris Wood.
Seasearch is looking in particular at greater pipefish and snake pipefish, both of which reach a length of around 50cm and are often found in kelp at a variety of depths. It has also asked divers to keep a look out for UK seahorse species. 'They are not easy to tell apart, so take a picture if you can without disturbing them,' added Wood.
For more information and to record your sightings online visit the Seasearch website at www.seasearch.org.uk or email info@seasearch.org.uk
The volunteer conservation group said recent scientific reports suggest rising sea temperatures have caused an increase in breeding activity among juvenile pipefish in the North Atlantic.
Seasearch is encouraging divers to record data on all seahorse and pipefish sightings throughout the UK.
'If we can get a large number of divers looking for and recording pipefish and seahorses we can make a real contribution to understanding the changes in numbers and distribution that seem to be taking place,' said Seasearch national coordinator Chris Wood.
Seasearch is looking in particular at greater pipefish and snake pipefish, both of which reach a length of around 50cm and are often found in kelp at a variety of depths. It has also asked divers to keep a look out for UK seahorse species. 'They are not easy to tell apart, so take a picture if you can without disturbing them,' added Wood.
For more information and to record your sightings online visit the Seasearch website at www.seasearch.org.uk or email info@seasearch.org.uk
Wednesday, 28 March 2007
17th Annual Meeting of the European Tissue Repair Society (ETRS)
The annual meeting of the ETRS is a “rialto” where basic scientists meet clinicians to exchange successes and difficulties both in the laboratory and the clinic. This is a constant cycle to promote wound healing.
In the last few years there have been lessons learnt and discoveries made which include the difficulties of getting successful bench developments into practice, the increasing clinical burden imposed by wounds and advances in tissue engineering concepts, nanotechnologies and so on.
How to harness these energies to the benefit our patient population?
The ETRS 2007 in Southampton will offer a platform to basic scientists/clinician
scientists as well as health technologists who engage in the difficult translation of science into practice. There will be plenary lectures and scientific papers (oral and posters) where new, exciting discoveries will be communicated for energetic discussion and debate.
The meeting takes place at the Botley Park Country Club, Southampton from 26th to 28th September 2007.
More information is available from: http://www.etrs2007soton.com/index.htm
In the last few years there have been lessons learnt and discoveries made which include the difficulties of getting successful bench developments into practice, the increasing clinical burden imposed by wounds and advances in tissue engineering concepts, nanotechnologies and so on.
How to harness these energies to the benefit our patient population?
The ETRS 2007 in Southampton will offer a platform to basic scientists/clinician
scientists as well as health technologists who engage in the difficult translation of science into practice. There will be plenary lectures and scientific papers (oral and posters) where new, exciting discoveries will be communicated for energetic discussion and debate.
The meeting takes place at the Botley Park Country Club, Southampton from 26th to 28th September 2007.
More information is available from: http://www.etrs2007soton.com/index.htm
Sunday, 18 March 2007
EUBS 33rd Annual Scientific Meeting in Egypt
The 33rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the European Underwater and Baromedical Society on Diving & Hyperbaric Medicine will take place from September 8th - 15th in Sharm el-Sheikh, Sinai, Egypt.
Sharm el-Sheikh is the UNESCO designated city of Peace and one of the fastest growing tourism communities on the face of the earth.
The Red Sea boasts its wonders in Ras Mohamed and the Straits of Tiran, as well as countless smaller, less well known dive sites. Crystal clear waters and visibility in excess of thirty meters are the standard you expect.
The many attractions of Sharm el-Sheikh make this one of Egypt's busiest tourist destinations and early registration is advised. This will not only provide you with a significant discount, but will guarantee the availability of your chosen accommodations.
More information from:
http://www.eubs2007.org/5/Invitation_to_EUBS_2007.html
Sharm el-Sheikh is the UNESCO designated city of Peace and one of the fastest growing tourism communities on the face of the earth.
The Red Sea boasts its wonders in Ras Mohamed and the Straits of Tiran, as well as countless smaller, less well known dive sites. Crystal clear waters and visibility in excess of thirty meters are the standard you expect.
The many attractions of Sharm el-Sheikh make this one of Egypt's busiest tourist destinations and early registration is advised. This will not only provide you with a significant discount, but will guarantee the availability of your chosen accommodations.
More information from:
http://www.eubs2007.org/5/Invitation_to_EUBS_2007.html
Thursday, 15 March 2007
DMAC/EDTCmed approves the UHMS Fitness to Dive Course
The Diving Medical Advisory Committee and the medical subgroup of the European Diving Technology Committee have approved the UHMS Medical Assessment for Fitness to Dive course. This is an important juncture for this course because it now means that this course is now recognised internationally.
Body is found in quarry
Police searching for Paula Blakemore who disappeared whilst diving in Dorothea Quarry have found a body.
Police divers had been searching the quarry for the missing woman since Sunday. The mother-of-three, who was in her 40s and from Congleton in Cheshire, was diving with a male friend when it is believed she became entangled in ropes and failed to surface.
North Wales Police confirmed that the body of a woman was recovered shortly before 1am this morning ending the five-day search.
Police divers had been searching the quarry for the missing woman since Sunday. The mother-of-three, who was in her 40s and from Congleton in Cheshire, was diving with a male friend when it is believed she became entangled in ropes and failed to surface.
North Wales Police confirmed that the body of a woman was recovered shortly before 1am this morning ending the five-day search.
Wednesday, 14 March 2007
UHMS Annual Scientifc Meeting, June 14-17, Maui, Hawaii
The 2007 Annual Scientific Meeting Planning Committee has now received over 140 abstracts for presentation at the 40th anniversary meeting in Maui.
One of the highlights will be Ralph White who will present a cinematic trip through several of the greatest underwater finds including pictures of the Titanic, Volcanic Vents, unique deep sea marine life and other tantalizing finds. The History of Deep Sea Exploration: In 1975 Emory Kristof and Ralph White initiated the "Beebe Project" at the National Geographic Society. It was to be a ten year exploration of our planet's depths, which is still on going. They started off in Loch Ness, Scotland looking for the fabled "Nessie", and went on to discover two Revolutionary Wrecks and the oldest U.S.N. / M.I.A's in Lake Ontario. From their to the frozen North and the wreck of the H.S.M. Breadalbane above the Artic Circle. They did the imaging that proved the theory of Plate Tectonics, found the first deep sea volcanic vents, and their unique life form's, which could be the start of life on Earth. We utilized underwater baiting to bring in some of the rarest deepsea animals ever imaged "In Situ", including the largest flesh eating Shark ever photographed, in Suruga Bay, Japan. Also included are deep dives in remote Lake Baikal, Siberia, The Titanic, and many other interesting sites, including the first survey of the USS Arizona, and "Sacred Wells" in the Yucatan of Mexico. In one hour you see three decades of the greatest underwater explorations ever done on our planet!
One of the highlights will be Ralph White who will present a cinematic trip through several of the greatest underwater finds including pictures of the Titanic, Volcanic Vents, unique deep sea marine life and other tantalizing finds. The History of Deep Sea Exploration: In 1975 Emory Kristof and Ralph White initiated the "Beebe Project" at the National Geographic Society. It was to be a ten year exploration of our planet's depths, which is still on going. They started off in Loch Ness, Scotland looking for the fabled "Nessie", and went on to discover two Revolutionary Wrecks and the oldest U.S.N. / M.I.A's in Lake Ontario. From their to the frozen North and the wreck of the H.S.M. Breadalbane above the Artic Circle. They did the imaging that proved the theory of Plate Tectonics, found the first deep sea volcanic vents, and their unique life form's, which could be the start of life on Earth. We utilized underwater baiting to bring in some of the rarest deepsea animals ever imaged "In Situ", including the largest flesh eating Shark ever photographed, in Suruga Bay, Japan. Also included are deep dives in remote Lake Baikal, Siberia, The Titanic, and many other interesting sites, including the first survey of the USS Arizona, and "Sacred Wells" in the Yucatan of Mexico. In one hour you see three decades of the greatest underwater explorations ever done on our planet!
Ralph White enjoys a very distinguished professional career as an award-winning cinematographer, video cameraman and editor,
with over 30 years of production experience and hundreds of motion picture and television credits to his name.
More information at:
Inexperienced diver dies in Hartlepool Marina
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have joined the police investigation into the death of a man undergoing diver training at a North East Marina. The body of 36-year-old Michael Morvan was discovered on Sunday evening at the marina in Hartlepool, Teesside.
A spokesman for the Cleveland force said there were no suspicious circumstances.
A spokesman for the Cleveland force said there were no suspicious circumstances.
Monday, 12 March 2007
HSE issue advice on Internal Corrosion in Diving Cylinders
In 2006 a 3 litre steel pony cylinder exploded during filling. Fortunately no one was injured. The cylinder failed due to extensive internal corrosion weakening the cylinder wall. The cylinder was approximately 2 years old and externally appeared to be in very good condition. Research has shown that corrosion in compressed air and nitrox cylinders can be up to 1000x normal corrosion rates. The amount of water needed to produce this corrosion is very small and might not be enough to be identified by the owner, for example by shaking.
The HSE and the Diving Industry are monitoring feedback from cylinder test stations to identify if reducing the time between cylinder inspections is required. In the meantime divers need to be aware of the serious consequences that can result if water is allowed to enter their cylinders.
Divers should take the following precautions to minimize the chance of water entry:
- Avoid emptying cylinders underwater – if you do, have them internally examined before refilling.
- Do not charge cylinders (such as delayed SMB cylinders) that have been emptied underwater, by decanting from your main cylinder – water from the empty cylinder may enter the “charging cylinder” during the process. If you suspect your inflation cylinder was emptied underwater have it internally examined before filling.
- Before charging a cylinder always momentarily crack open the cylinder valve and supply valve to blow out any moisture.
If you consider there is any chance of water having entered your cylinder have it internally inspected before it is filled.
Quarry diver missing
Paula Blakemore, an IANTD Advanced Recreational Trimix and Rebreather Instructor for New Frontier Diving in Manchester who was in her forties and from Congleton in Cheshire, was diving with a male friend on Sunday at Dorothea Quarry, near Caernarfon in Wales when she got into difficulties. The male diver stayed with the woman trying to free her until he was forced to swim to the surface. An ambulance was called to the scene and the 45-year-old man was treated before being airlifted by the RAF to the hyperbaric unit at Murrayfield on the Wirral.
Diving teams are expected to return to the site on Tuesday to resume the search for the woman who is thought to have been caught up in submerged ropes whilst diving in the quarry.
Diving teams are expected to return to the site on Tuesday to resume the search for the woman who is thought to have been caught up in submerged ropes whilst diving in the quarry.
Friday, 9 March 2007
Historic mine equipment protected
The Isles of Scilly have been the site of many shipwrecks over the years and there are more than 500 registered wrecks around the islands.
One of these sites has now been been granted protection under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973.
The remains of a cargo of 19th Century Cornish mining equipment was discovered by divers off Little Ganinick in 2005.
The Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell's decision to grant protection follows a recommendation from English Heritage.
One of these sites has now been been granted protection under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973.
The remains of a cargo of 19th Century Cornish mining equipment was discovered by divers off Little Ganinick in 2005.
The Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell's decision to grant protection follows a recommendation from English Heritage.
Monday, 5 March 2007
Diver dies after quarry accident
Robert Sherratt, 46, a trimix rebreather instructor has died following an accident at a quarry in Cornwall.
Police were alerted on Sunday to a report that a diver had got into difficulty while he was diving in a quarry pit near Wadebridge.
Reports say he was unconscious when he reached the surface. The man was transferred to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth where he was pronounced dead.
Police said that a joint investigation was being carried out by the force and the Health and Safety Executive.
Police were alerted on Sunday to a report that a diver had got into difficulty while he was diving in a quarry pit near Wadebridge.
Reports say he was unconscious when he reached the surface. The man was transferred to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth where he was pronounced dead.
Police said that a joint investigation was being carried out by the force and the Health and Safety Executive.
PADI to exhibit at shows
PADI International Ltd will be exhibiting at the PADI Village, at LIDS on the weekend of 10th – 11th March 2007.
PADI will alao be exhibiting at the hugely popular Outdoors Show 2007 16th – 18th March.
PADI has collaborated with the organisers to give PADI divers a special offer on admission prices.
Visit www.theoutdoorsshow.co.uk to book your tickets, enter the promotional code 'PADI' and you can get two tickets for only £20.
Tickets to LIDS 2007 cost £7.50 if booked in advance, and £10.50 on the door (children under 14 go free).
For more information, or to book online, visit www.diveshows.co.uk.
Alternatively call the ticket hotline on 020 8977 9878.
PADI will alao be exhibiting at the hugely popular Outdoors Show 2007 16th – 18th March.
PADI has collaborated with the organisers to give PADI divers a special offer on admission prices.
Visit www.theoutdoorsshow.co.uk to book your tickets, enter the promotional code 'PADI' and you can get two tickets for only £20.
Tickets to LIDS 2007 cost £7.50 if booked in advance, and £10.50 on the door (children under 14 go free).
For more information, or to book online, visit www.diveshows.co.uk.
Alternatively call the ticket hotline on 020 8977 9878.
BSAC Appoint a new Environment Officer on National Diving Commitee
Susannah Calderan has been appointed to the post of Environment Officer on the BSACs National Diving Committee (NDC).
Susannah will work within the Diving Group to develop the NDC policy, to monitor and respond to legislative issues and to advise the NDC on environmental issues.
Susannah is a marine mammal scientist who currently works for the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust based at Tobermory, Isle of Mull. She spends her time running the cetacean research programme aboard a survey vessel.
Visit the BSAC Conservation & Environment pages.
Susannah will work within the Diving Group to develop the NDC policy, to monitor and respond to legislative issues and to advise the NDC on environmental issues.
Susannah is a marine mammal scientist who currently works for the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust based at Tobermory, Isle of Mull. She spends her time running the cetacean research programme aboard a survey vessel.
Visit the BSAC Conservation & Environment pages.
Advances in International Diving Research: the role of DAN
Famous scientists and doctors from all over the world will talk about diving medical safety, presenting the latest advances, updates and current research .
A parallel 'DAN Europe Research Specialist' course will be offered for free to a maximum of 25 selected volunteers on the same day. The conference will be held in Bruxelles, at the NEMO 33 DIVING ACADEMY, the world's deepest pool, used by the DAN Europe scientists to carry out research dives.
Participating in this scientific event will enable you to dive in the only existing 33 meters deep pool in the world!
Moreover, Bruxelles offers plenty of things to do and see for all your family and companions.
For more information, view the program.
Emphasis will be made on clear, take-home messages for divers, as well as stressing the essential and pivotal role of DAN to foster the current, more advanced, diver-oriented and diving safety-oriented international diving research.
A parallel 'DAN Europe Research Specialist' course will be offered for free to a maximum of 25 selected volunteers on the same day. The conference will be held in Bruxelles, at the NEMO 33 DIVING ACADEMY, the world's deepest pool, used by the DAN Europe scientists to carry out research dives.
Participating in this scientific event will enable you to dive in the only existing 33 meters deep pool in the world!
Moreover, Bruxelles offers plenty of things to do and see for all your family and companions.
For more information, view the program.
Emphasis will be made on clear, take-home messages for divers, as well as stressing the essential and pivotal role of DAN to foster the current, more advanced, diver-oriented and diving safety-oriented international diving research.
Thursday, 1 March 2007
DIVEWISE - 11th annual North East Diving conference
The 11th annual North East Diving conference, DIVEWISE will be held at Durham University on March 4th 2007 between 0900 - 1700. Guest speakers include Jack Ingle, DIVEX, Peter Collins and a special presentation on Cave Diving.
With over 250 divers from all agencies attending last year, March 4th looks likely to be an early season date that should not be missed.
For the first time tickets are available on-line at www.dive-wise.com
Each ticket goes into a draw for an Otter dry suit, and each delegate receives a conference bag with over £5 worth of dive magazines.
With over 250 divers from all agencies attending last year, March 4th looks likely to be an early season date that should not be missed.
For the first time tickets are available on-line at www.dive-wise.com
Each ticket goes into a draw for an Otter dry suit, and each delegate receives a conference bag with over £5 worth of dive magazines.
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