Scylla Man Made Reef near Plymouth in Devon
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The Scylla Reef in Whitsand Bay near Plymouth is a man made reef created by the deliberate sinking of the naval warship HMS Scylla in 2004. It is the first such artificial diving reef in Europe and has so far attracted an estimated 30,000 divers to this unique marine environment. The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth opened in 1998 and is the largest aquarium in the UK. The aquarium is a charity, as well as operating the main aquarium site they are dedicated to marine conservation. The creation of an artificial reef is part of the aquarium's ongoing commitment to research and conservation.
The HMS Scylla was launched in 1968, she saw 25 years of service in the Royal Navy, during that time she was involved in a range of missions from the Cod Wars with Iceland in the 1970s to Hurricane Relief operations in the Cayman Islands. In 1993 she was decommissioned from the navy and placed in a dry dock for 10 years before the National Marine Aquarium purchased the ship for ￡200,000 in 2003. The specialist Canadian company Artificial Reef Consulting was brought in to provide expertise in preparing and placing the artificial reef. The preparation of the vessel involved removing all materials that could be hazardous to the environment and creating a number of access holes to allow experienced divers to explore the wreck. On 27th March 2004 a number of controlled explosions allowed water into the hull and the ship slowly slipped under the waves to start its new life as a reef.
Scylla Reef was created to allow recreational divers the opportunity to experience native marine life in a unique environment. It has also established itself as a place for scientific research, studies have shown that there is already an established community of over 250 species of marine life that have been recorded. Unlike most other artificial reefs, the project includes a 10-year monitoring programme. As well as recording the settlement of marine life on the reef, scientists are also monitoring the changes in the make-up of the seabed around the reef. This data helps scientists to predict the environmental impact of other offshore structures such as wind turbines.
The one-of-a-kind Scylla Reef has become a big attraction for divers, its proximity to another famous wreck the 'James Egan Layne' has made the area the most popular scuba diving location in the UK. There are a number of companies offering boat charters and equipment hire. It is possible for experienced divers to access the superstructure and lower decks, highlights include the captain's cabin, the bridge, galley and operations room. Only divers with specialised training should attempt to go inside the wreck, divers should not over-estimate their skill level. Non-divers who are interested in learning more should visit the Devon attraction the National Marine Aquarium, for a great day out in Devon.
The Scylla Reef is accessible to experienced divers only, visitors should follow the reef code of conduct. You can find more information by visiting the Devon attraction The National Marine Aquarium, one of the greatest days out in Devon and suitable for the whole family.
Category Article Devon, Plymouth, Scylla
