Wreck Diver Trail to open in June

A new carefully laid underwater trail off the south coast will be open for visiting divers from June 2011.

The Nautical Archaeology Society (NAS Portsmouth) oversaw the creation of the route.

Known as the Norman’s Bay wreck site, it is believed to contain the remains of the English Warship HMS Resolution, which sank in the great storm of 1703.

Alternatively, the timbers could be those of an allied Dutch Warship lost during the Battle of Beachy Head in 1690.

The NAS is offering access to the Norman’s Bay wreck site along with the Holland 5 Submarine on 7th May, 22nd July and 17th September.

The Holland 5 is the last of five experimental submarines ordered by the Royal Navy in 1900. She sank off Beachy Head in 1912.

This year, diving will be from “Dive125″ out of Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne.

Prices to join in are £70 for two dives – Holland 5 submarine in the morning and the Norman’s Bay wreck in the afternoon.

This doesn’t include air or Nitrox fills. For the Holland 5 the minimum Diving Qualification is BSAC Dive Leader / PADI Rescue Diver, with Nitrox use preferred, and Pony rig or twin sets mandatory.