22 SEPTEMBER 2001

With O2 starting to run low it was decided that the team would switch to Heli-air 15/28 as a bottom gas. The equivalent narcotic depth was 38m (slightly deeper than before) and the length of the deco stops would increase slightly. It was also agreed that diving needed to start earlier to catch what little period of slack there was. Most divers were making last minute adjustments to kit at seven in the morning. There was more than the occasional glance across to the other boat to see what they were up to.

One of their divers went in and hauled himself to the anchor line before disappearing. Ten or fifteen minutes later two more went and appeared to make better progress. The back deck became the centre of frenetic activity as divers launched themselves into the abyss with lemming like abandon. Guy and Rod sped off determined to have a better day! It was still necessary to pull down on the shot line but the going was much easier than the day prior.

Guy hit the upturned hull of Repulse first followed closely by Rod. It was necessary to fin and scooter across the top of the wreck but once on the far side the current dropped to nothing. A quick look at the guns confirmed that 'A' turrets guns barrels pointed forward with only one visible half buried in the sand. 'B' turrets pointed out across the starboard side. Zepping back the pair scootered across the smashed remains of the still recognisable bridge section with its searchlight platforms and spotting top lying in the sand.

Heading towards the stern more superstructure was clearly visible. Both funnels were gone, the thin metal long ago rotted away. The rear or main mast lay out in the sand like the foremast. Aft of this the upturned bottom of the twin 14-inch gun Y turret appeared having fallen out of the wreck to the seabed below.

Nearing the stern the current picked up and the visibility deteriorated. Scootering across the stern the props came into view. The rudder was clearly jammed across into the rear port side inboard prop. Local fisherman's nets were draped over them like a shroud.

As both Guy and Rod turned they were facing into the current. Both scootered over the stern section looking for evidence of torpedo strikes. As the pair battled with the current the glances to the left and right revealed nothing. Once over the armour ribbon and back onto the rear deck area the current dropped. Scootering back the enormity of this once proud ship was apparent. Regrettably the clock was ticking away and once back at the shot, after 25 minutes, it was time to head home.

Dave and Dan headed for the bridge section and attached the ensign. In precious little time it was attached and waving majestically in the current. After a brief moment of reflection the pair headed off. With the visibility much improved from the previous day Dan was determined to get some more great footage. Once back on board he did a quick preview. The film shots looked even better than before. Fate struck again though and somehow he managed to loose the film! The dives on the Repulse seemed to be fraught with problems. The team now started going over and over their kit determined that the next piece of bad luck would befall them!