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She used to be a millionaire's gin palace, lent to the Navy during the 2nd world war and was then converted into a training ship for the merchant navy. The original owners wishes were that once she had no further use, she was to be sunk rather than scrapped. Fort Bovisand got wind of this and persuaded the trustees to sink her near the Fort so she could be used as an underwater classroom. She sank very close to the Shag Stone. Unfortunately becoming a hazard to local fishing boats, she was later dispersed during some explosives diving courses.
Length: She was 50m, now well scattered
Max Depth: 15-16m max
Depth to deck: n/a
Viz: generally 5-6m, best 16m bad weather can bring it right down
Orientation: Boilers and a few plates.
Buoy Lines
None, use a shot for descent along with a Delayed SMB if you can't find your way back.
Areas of interest
The boiler itself is home to a few wrasse, and makes an interesting introduction to wreck diving.
Once you've swam around the boat (takes 15mins) head west for good topography, rock, kelp, sand etc.
Wreck Penetrations
You can swim into the boiler about 1m, then back out again.
Snagging Hazards
As with all wrecks there are things to cut hands and get gear caught on. Gloves are advised and caution should be used.
No Take Zone
A voluntary no take zone
Life you could see
We've spotted boring sponges, lobsters, large spider crabs, cuttlefish, dogfish, various wrasse and pollack.
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