Dan dives in on wartime history

 
Dan Snow (right) and Nick Hammond
after their dive on the Sunderland.

 

Television presenter Dan Snow has taken the plunge on an unique aviation survivor in Pembrokeshire.

 

In challenging diving conditions, Dan joined members of the Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust Dive Group to explore the wartime Sunderland flying boat which sank off the town 70 years ago.

 

He was filmed on the Sunderland - together with the Dive Group’s Nick Hammond - and the film will be shown on the BBC One prime time evening programme The One Show in September.

 

A film crew from 360 Production spent two days in Pembroke Dock. As well as diving on Sunderland T9044 - from the dive boat ‘Blue Thunder’ - they filmed at the Flying Boat Centre where Dan interviewed Wing Commander Derek Martin, Patron of the Sunderland Trust. In September 1940, just weeks before it sank, Wing Commander Martin flew T9044.

 

“Dan was amazed at what is left of our Sunderland,” said Nick Hammond, whose rediscovery of the wreck over ten years ago has led to the recovery of so many items from it.

 

“As so often when we dive on T9044, the conditions were difficult but Dan got a close view on part of the wreck and the cameraman had some good footage. We can’t wait to see The One Show programme.”

 

It has been a busy few months for Sunderland Trust Dive Group members who took the lead in the recent recovery of an engine from the site. The Pegasus engine was craned up and brought ashore and is now beginning a desalination and conservation process at the Flying Boat Centre, being worked on by the volunteer team.

 

The engine lift was accomplished with the assistance of Kaymac Marine and Civil Engineering and the crew of the barge ‘Jemma’s Island’ operated by BDS of Milford Haven. A generous donation from Chevron’s Pembroke Refinery supported the engine recovery and has also helped with the purchase of a RHIB to be used by Dive Group members, who are also contributing to the cost of the craft.

 

One Show date for Haven Sunderland

 

Pembrokeshire’s unique Sunderland survivor is scheduled to make national television next week on The One Show on BBC1.

 

The prime time evening show on Tuesday September 27th will feature presenter Dan Snow diving on Sunderland T9044 where it sank off Pembroke Dock 70 years ago.

 

Dan dived on the Sunderland earlier this year with Nick Hammond of the Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust Dive Group. Also featuring will be 91-year-old Wing Commander Derek Martin who flew T9044 in 1940. He was interviewed at the Flying Boat Centre in Pembroke Dock.

 

 

  

 

 

Dan Snow with members of the Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust Dive Group. Left to right: Nigel Evans, Chris Gammon, Will Fenneberg, Dai Humphreys, Dan Snow, Nick Hammond, Wayne Sunter and Dave Pring.

 

The Pegasus engine sees the light of day for the first time in 70 years.

PICTURES: Martin Cavaney Photography.

 

From: John Evans, Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust, 01646 623425.