WIX Archives
Re: ...and a couple of interesting Sussex dive sites
Posted by Ross McNeill on Mon Jan 28, 2002 08:52:05 AM
In reply top Re: ...and a couple of interesting Sussex dive sites posted by Paul McMillan on Mon Jan 28, 2002 04:01:28 AM
Hi Paul,
The highest point of the wreck rises 3 mtr above the general depth of the sea bed.
This was usually found by the destructive method of dragging a wire sweep between two vessels and noting at what depth it snagged i.e. swept clear at 3.5, snagged at 3.0.
In this case the aircraft was first reported in 1956.
"H7283/56 12/12/56
Single seater low wing monoplane causing obstruction to trawl. Stands 8 to 9 feet above sea floor in general depth 52 feet. Identified by divers removing trawl which had fouled on the wreck. Fix Rottingdean Windmill/Portobella outfall Beacon 33 degs 15 mins, Portobella outfall Beacon/Newhaven W Breakwater Light 109 degs 23 min ( British Sub-Aqua Club HN 30/11/56). "
The position from "Dive Sussex" is correct but the condition of the aircraft is described as of 1989.
The initial B-17 details are:
"20/10/75
Sub-Aqua Diver failed to surface after trying to remove a trawl from the wreck of a 4 engined American bomber a/c in 504524N, 000024E (Tele/con from Chief Inspector Burt, Sussex County Constabulary).
Existance confirmed, reported that the tail section of the a/c sticks up on the seabed. (Tele/con Wrecks - Coastguard on 20/10/75)."
Again the description is as per 1989. The explosives were used in 1980.
Regards
Ross