New wreck near Hel

The year 2011 will go down in diving history as one of the most rich in discoveries in the Baltic Sea. Both Polish divers, as well as their colleagues from Scandinavia, have restored to the world many treasures, lost over the centuries to Poseidon. Although there was no gold or precious stones among them, the value of the diving “spoils” is unquestionable.

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Photo gallery – New wreck near Hel

Today, as we enter the last quarter of the year, the weather is getting worse and the sea is restless, it seems that we should focus more on summing up what we have achieved so far than on further exploration. However, the participants of the next expedition under the banner of “Baltictech Expeditions” had a completely different opinion.

When the excitement and “dust” after the discovery Karpinki dormitory settled down, as for every flesh and blood explorer, a natural hunger emerged. A hunger for another diving expedition, for exploring new stretches of bottom and checking the positions found. A specific mixture of emotions appears then, which becomes addictive and determines subsequent actions. If you have felt it at least once, you are in for good, because there is no turning back from this path.

A group of familiar divers met on board the “Litoral” and this time decided to explore the waters around Hel. The line-up: Tomasz Stachura, Dima Stavrakakis and Marek Cacaj, were supported by support divers: Daniel Pastwa, Marysia Pastwa and Łukasz Pastwa. In the expedition there was also active participation of Wojciech Jechna (Litoral’s captain), Łukasz Piórewicz and Ania Pastwa, as surface support.

From the very beginning, the dive did not promise to be easy. The wind was getting stronger all the time, so it was decided to go down to the first position – 74m. The probe image showed an object protruding 6m above the bottom line.

The first attempt to drop the 90m drag was unsuccessful. The current was very strong and the line ended with a weight and started to drift. As we were retrieving it, the sinker got caught on something and despite being about 20m from the target, the decision was made to start the dive. As it later turned out, it was a very lucky coincidence that made it possible to carry out the whole procedure of descent and exit.

Jump into the water and… surprise. Current so strong that it was tearing the mask off my face. Quick reaction and good positioning of the Litoral by Wojtek were the key elements enabling us to reach the swell. Despite the surprise, conditions more difficult than expected, the decision was made not to stop the dive. To the very bottom, the current did not ease and every metre had to be covered with a rope.

Now the most enjoyable thing – the examination of the wreck. There is not much time, so you have to use it wisely. The vessel is leaning heavily on the port side, the deck is quite visible, divers climb on the starboard side to get to the wreck. The current continues to impede movement and any action. An attempt to spread out the arms of the camera with lights, fails. After a few minutes, Tomek gives up and accepts the fact that he will return from this dive without beautiful pictures.

During the examination of the wreck by divers, they find a cannon located at the bow. The first thought – identical to that on the Munin minesweeper! This finally settles the matter. Despite the dire conditions, Tomek Stachura rearms the camera, but this time with just one flashlight. Marek uses his torch to illuminate the cannon from above, while Dima continues to explore the bow. After a while, Tomek and Marek join him and, taking more photos, the three of them head towards the 20min mark, which ends their stay on the bottom.

Decompression in such conditions is a real ordeal, fortunately everything went according to plan. The support divers did a great job and despite the problems the conditions caused, thanks to them the dive was definitely safer.

Now we have to wait for the identification of the unit. All those interested are welcome to photo gallery from the expeditionby Tomek Stachura and Daniel Pastwa.

Source: Baltictech Expedition Team
Photo: Tomasz Stachura and Daniel Pastwa