MKSAC Newsletter - March 2002

Before I bring you all up to date, first an apology, this article was intended for the last newsletter, but due to either my computing skills or reaching Frank too late, it missed.

After the 'think tank' meeting our first task was to mark all the wrecks. I decided that the suggestion of using plastic ball valve floats was just what we needed and I promptly marked them up and one Sunday dispatched the volunteers (complete with their balls in tow) to the various wrecks.  So far so good I thought. The first thing that happened was, at about 10m some of the balls imploded with a loud bang (that shook them up a bit), then the paint came off 'Oh dear! A couple of divers came out with their crushed balls over their shoulders (not a pretty sight). So it's back to the drawing board for that one.

Not deterred we pressed on and with help from Adrian and the loan of Frank's boat plus some willing divers I got them to mark all the wrecks with an SMB. Then whilst we all had a somewhat damp B-B-Q Adrian rowed around taking bearings from numerous points, getting back to shore just in time for the last beef burger. It surprised many of us all to see, from the top, just where the wrecks are situated, especially the bus. Once complete the next task was to move a heavy permanent marker buoy into position. This took a few goes, as it was heavier than expected and stuck in the mud. Whilst this was going on we transferred the technical information onto an ordinance map of the Bluey and Colette is in the process of designing a suitable new diver friendly map. Once Colette has finished the outline idea I will arrange a meeting to finalise the re mapping. So watch the notice board for information. Photos of the project can be viewed on our web site. Even though the project is not yet complete I'd like to thank all those who have helped me so far.

Pete