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Diving Stoney Cove, England Inland Dive Site
Reader Reviews:
Dive Site: 20m Mini
Depth: 20 to 21 metres (63 feet)
Rating: See Stoney Cove overview
Location: From the stern or propeller of the Stanegarth take a 210 degree bearing and expect a 5 minute slow swim across a flat 21m silt floor with little to see (note: to get to the Stanegarth take a 190 degree bearing from the Bus Stop entry). If you fancy a long dive then from the Mini continue on a 210 degree bearing and after about 15 minutes slow swim you'll come to the far south wall. If you ascend to 6 metres with the wall on your right shoulder you can take the scenic perimeter return route (about 45 minutes from this point at a slow steady pace). At the shallower depth you'll pass the disposal chute first, and then reach the Galleon wreckage before passing the crane drum, then 4m Blockhouse on your way back to the main slipway area.
History & Description: The mini is the old-style Mark One Minis. Visibility can be pretty limited on the Stanegarth wreck after many other divers have visited her and as you swim away from the stern towards the mini visibility should improve. As this is a much less visited area the visibility should soon open up as you cross the barren, flat quarry bed to around 10 metres. It should be possible to spot the mini from about 10 to 15 metres away as its shadow comes into view. Sitting upright on all 4 wheels the vehicle is reasonably intact although much of the interior and the engine are gone. The chrome bumper lies discarded in front of the car but she’s a picturesque little dive.
It’s probably worth mentioning that last time I dived here, there was a notice posted on the roof stating, “This Vehicle has been authorised for removal. Do not attempt to remove or obstruct removal of this vehicle”. So if this is official and not a diver hoax, the 20m mini may be gone by now.
Rik Vercoe, BSAC Advanced Instructor
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