Norfolk Trip - July 2017

The day started with a meet at the quay in Wells-next-the-Sea and the loading of our charter "Jimmy Rib" from East Coast Diving and "ropes off" by 09:00 and out of the tidal estuary we went.

The first dive of the dive was HMS Umpire who is situated out within the wind farm turbines off the coast.  So a longish journey out and aren't those turbines big.. you do not realise how big until you are underneath them.  After putting a shot into the wreck, we kitted up and in we got.  The shot was in the wreck and the last diving team in, removed the shot from the wreck and sent it back to the surface for the skipper to retrieve.

The visibility was good and the wreck is shallow (17 - 20 metres) and she lies on her side, if you stay non keel side there is lots to see - just remember she is a war grave, so a look, no penetration and a NO TAKE wreck.  Wildlife included crab, lobsters, anemones and cod to name a few.

And then the worse part of the day and 3 - 4 hour surface interval, whilst sat on the rib and it 'chucked it down', it was an uncomfortable time.

Second dive of the day, was The Amberley 

Descending down the line to the wreck, it became obvious that we had entered the water a little before slack.  Hanging onto the line, the current was 'running' but hanging onto the line and pulling ourselves down the line, we landed on the sand just back from the wreck.  After taking a breather we swam onto the wreck and because she lies on her side we swam with the wreck to our left.  Again visibility was good, so easily see into the holds, the stairways, the winches.  A great little dive.

On the way back into harbour, we were treated to a display by the Red Arrows who were displaying over Holkham Hall and the weather cleared to be a sunny end to the day.

And what can beat Fish and Chips by the sea.... nothing... so we showed Bridget a proper Fish and Chip shop...