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Scuba Diving South Coast England, UK, Europe
Dive Site: The Hood
Location: 50°34.10N; 02°25.22W (Portland Harbour)
Description: Royal Sovereign Class battleship
Length: 115 metres (377 feet)
Depth: 17 metres (56 feet)
Visibility: 10 metres (30 feet)
Rating: ****
The Hood was sunk across the entrance to Portland Harbour to prevent any submarines firing at the fleet anchored there during World War One. It makes an excellent first wreck dive. The depth means it is easy to plan for, with the only difficult part of the dive being dealing with the current on ascent that rips across the top of the wreck. There is a permanent buoy marking the Hood's position, which you descend down and follow the distance line from it that traverses the huge boulders of the harbour wall. The Hood is a huge wreck with big open holds to look in and explore. The only downside of the wreck is that its popularity means that water is often very crowded. For the more advanced diver it is possible to swim the entire length of the Hood inside along the top level. You access the entrance before dropping down to the sea bed when you first encounter the wreck. Not many divers do this, but care must be taken not to kick up the silt, and be prepared for the ripping current as you drop down over the end of the wreck. There is a lot of marine life in and around the wreck including spider crabs, lobsters and fish.
Diving has currently been suspended on this wreck by the Portland Harbour Authority, due to forthcoming development work in the harbour and disintegration of the wreck.
Reader Reviews:
Please note that due to the unsafe state of the wreck, diving has now been banned by Portland Harbour Authority.
Brian Clough
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