Farne Islands Dive Report September 24th 2006
Well, here we are, into August and still waiting on our wonderful British summer to arrive. Fortunately diving can be equally enjoyable during the winter months and during the monsoon conditions we have experienced lately, as it can be on a glorious summers day. On Sunday the 8th of August, Bubblezone our affiliated club visited the Farne Islands for a couple of dives with Sovereign Divers on Sovereign 2. We were greeted by Toby the boat skipper at Seahouses harbour on a very foggy morning. Toby advised us as to the poor sea conditions , but said he would endeavour to make our day as enjoyable as possible despite the thick fog wh ich engulfed the harbour and reduced visibility at sea to about ten metres. After loading up our kit we set sail for one of the closer Islands at Farne. Kit on and buddy checks complete, the first group, me included, dropped down the shot line onto the boiler of an unnamed wreck. This area is treacherous to shipping in stormy conditions, and is the grave yard of some hundred vessels during the last century. Today, despite the fog on the surface, diving conditions were first class. No currents and ten to fifteen metre visibility made the diving most enjoyable. After circling the boiler at 22 metres it was a short swim over to the reef face and a most enjoyable 45 minute swim over beautiful sponges and dead mans finger at a maximum depth of 26 metres. Huge cuckoo wrasse playfully swam round us as we made our way along the reef. If fish have a sense of reason, I wonder what they were thinking when us twelve divers dropped down out of the mist on the surface. I know I was questioning my own sanity a couple of times prior to the dive. On reaching 60 bar and after almost an hour in the water it was time for our safety stop of 3 mins and then a short journey back to the surface and back into the Pea soup which covered the whole of the North East on Sunday. The second dive of the day was a short sail North and ano ther shallow reef. This time, maximum depth 17 metres. On this one there were strong currents to contend with, on the far side of the reef we were circumnavigating. There was little fish life to be seen. Testimony to the predatory powers of the many seals on the top of the reef which was visible above water. Just when we thought the dive to be pretty pointless. along came the friendly seal to save the day. Those big gorgeous eyes looking inquisitively into my mask, I had this feeling that I was honoured to be in this seals company. As we did our safety stop it swam round each of the divers on the line and said a quick hello. Well it seamed that way anyway. No matter how often you experience this interaction with seals, it never seams to amaze me how graceful they are in the water, yet on land they are merely a lump of fatty meat. No diver should miss an opportunity to dive with these masters of the waves as it is truly one of the best diving experiences imaginable. After our hellos and goodbyes to the seal we headed for the surface only to find our new found companion waiting for us to arrive. Waiting for the boat to pick us up will rank as one of the funniest moments of my life as the seal came closer and closer till I could literally put my arms around its vast body. I felt a little sad to leave him behin d, but somehow I don't think he would have fitted into my fish tank at home. Back on Sovereign 2, Toby had the kettle boiling and the tea ready for a most welcome warm refreshment. So after a great days diving in unfavourable conditions it was a quick visit to the local Ice cream parlour to taste the delights of freshly made Italian Ice Cream before our journey Northwards and home. Many thanks to Toby and Sovereign Divers for making that extra effort to ensure we enjoyed our trip. The Editor.
