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