A great day out on the Julianne with members from Middleton SAC to dive the wreck of the SS Derbent which, considering the length of time it's been down there, is still in fairly good condition. Kitting up in a swell is not the best but with help from each other managed to all get in at slack water. This definitely needs to be dived in the right conditions as it's quite far out. The wreck lies on it's starboard side and, when we dropped down about mid-ships, first thought we'd landed on the seabed. The wreck is covered in Anenomes, Plumose and Feathery Hyrdroids with the occasional Bloody Henry and even in the green gloom still quite stunning. We (Peter, Lynda and myself) headed for the stern, stopping for a quick look in the dark holds, spotting the occasional Wrasse which again was all covered in Plumose, White Stripe and Burrowing Anenomes and Hydroids. We kept to about 35m and after swimming round the propellor headed towards the bow, passing the gun lying on the port side of the wreck which is home to a large Conger. Spotted a couple of Edible Crabs in their hidey holes along with Wrasse and Poor Cod but there didn't seem to be much other fish life. The visibility I'd say was about 5-6m which wasn't too bad after the weather they'd been having. All on board we headed back for the harbour, thankfully the sea had 'calmed' a bit but it was still nice to get back on dry land. All packed up a few of us then headed for the famous 'Enochs' chippy in Conwy before heading back home.
Elaine