Local divers find ‘sunken treasure’ in the North Sea

Dec 18 2008 by Sandra Walls, Hamilton Advertiser

THREE Hamilton-based divers were the first to find the wreck of a large fishing trawler sunk by a German U-boat in 1942.

Jim McAllister, from Hamilton, and his colleagues Ralph Lennox, Auldhouse, and Livingstone man Bud Campbell discovered the trawler’s bell as they went diving in the North Sea this year.

The trio are members of the Central Scotland Dive Club who meet at Hamilton Water Palace.

The wreck was in deep water in the North Sea about 20 miles off the coast of Eyemouth.

But the brave divers managed to secure the bell and bring it up from the depths of the sea.

Ralph Lennox (56), who lives with his wife Linda, has been involved in the club for the last 15 years.

He said: “During the Second World War, large fishing boats were prime targets.

“The German fleet would sink the vessel and capture the captain and the first mate, effectively to keep experienced sailors out of the British system and reduce fish supplies to the mainland. The sailors were then made prisoners of war.”

The three men are instructors for the Central Scotland Dive Club who meet at Hamilton Water Palace every Friday from 8pm to 10pm.

The club are always keen to attract new members who would like to learn how to dive.

Every weekend members go diving around Scottish coastal waters.

They also go on continental diving trips two or three times a year.

This year the club made a splash when they went diving in France and Egypt and members were given the chance to dive with huge manta rays and sharks including the famous hammerheads.

Bud, the club’s officer, said: “Diving can change your life.

“You don't have to be a brilliant swimmer to become a diver.”

The club moved to the Water Palace about six weeks ago after the Dollan Aqua Centre in East Kilbride closed down for a £6m facelift.

Ralph, chairman of the club, said: “We have been made very welcome at the Water Palace.

“It’s a lovely new pool and already we have eight new members who are all keen to learn scuba diving to an international standard.”

There is a one-off £100 joining fee and a small monthly fee of £10, covering training, equipment and Scottish coastal dives. Trips abroad cost extra.

The club have a new website: www.c-divers.com. It is open to people aged 16 to 80.

Ralph added: “If people fit the bill, we will teach them all they need to see the wonders of the sea.”