Sunderland divers thank sponsors
Divers who monitor the wreck of a wartime Sunderland
flying boat in the Milford Haven Waterway have said a
special thank you to sponsors and supporters.
The Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust Dive Group - the only
group allowed to dive on Sunderland T9044 - staged a
display of their equipment at the Flying Boat Centre,
and invited supporters along.
“Like the Sunderland project our group is unique,” said
Chairman Will Fenneberg, “and we have enjoyed excellent
backing from many organisations and businesses over the
years. This has enabled us to purchase a range of
equipment to add to our own personal gear. Face masks
with built-in communications are examples of equipment
purchased.
“We are most grateful to PAVS for grants for equipment
and other supporters include Llanion Rowing Club, Main
Port Engineering, Kelpie Boats, Tenby Lions, Neyland
Yacht Haven, Blue Thunder Charters,
Kerton Plastics, Floodgate,
Milford Haven Port Authority, South Hook LNG, Chevron
and Valero.
In monitoring Sunderland T9044 - at a depth of around 20
metres - and recovering further artefacts from this
wartime survivor the Dive Group faces many challenges.
Visibility is invariably very limited, currents are
strong and anything touched stirs up a cloud of
suspension, making working even more difficult.
“The weather this year has restricted us so much and we
hope recent better conditions will allow us to make some
useful dives on T9044 this summer. There is much more to
recover from our very special Sunderland,” added Will.
Many parts from the Haven Sunderland are on display at
the Pembroke Dock Flying Boat Centre Workshop which has
recently celebrated its third anniversary. This is
located near South Pembrokeshire Hospital and is open
Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10 am - 4 pm.
Caption:
Sunderland Trust Dive Group members line up with Dave
Harries of Main Port Engineering and Laura Allen-Clarke
of South Hook LNG by the Dive Group’s RIB. Left to
right: Dai Humphreys, John Fenneberg, Dave Harries,
Laura Allen-Clarke, Will Fenneberg, Wayne Sunter and
Chris Gammon. With the banner are Julie Humphreys and
David
Dillane.
PICTURE: Martin Cavaney Photography
From: John Evans, Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust, 01646
684220