Trawler sunk by U-boat found

Kyt · Dec 26, 2008

How Ralph and fellow divers found trawler sunk by WW2 U-boat - East Kilbride News

AN AULDHOUSE man has become one the first divers to find the wreck of a large fishing trawler sunk by a German U-boat in 1942.

Ralph Lennox and fellow members of Central Scotland Dive Club (CSDC), Jim McAllister from Hamilton, and Bud Campbell from Livingstone, came across the trawler and bell as they were diving to their limit.

The wreck was lodged in deep and dark waters 20 miles out in the North Sea off Eyemouth, but the intrepid divers managed to secure the bell and bring it up from the depths.

Ralph (56), who lives with his wife Linda at their home in Auldhouse, 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.”

All three men are instructors for the CSDC which meets every Friday at Hamilton Water Palace from 8pm to 10pm.

The club are always looking for new members to learn how to dive.

The club dives all round Scottish coastal waters every weekend, and take continental diving trips two or three-times-a-year.

This year the club has dived in France and Egypt where members had the opportunity to dive with huge manta rays and many other types of shark including the famous hammerheads.

“Diving can change your life,” explained Bud, the club’s diving officer.

“You don't even have to be a brilliant swimmer, just relaxed in the water.”

The club moved to the facilities at the Hamilton Water Palace around six weeks ago after the Dollan Aqua Centre closed down when a £6 million, two-year renovation scheme began.

Ralph, who is the club’s chairman, said: “We have been made very welcome at the Water Palace.

“It is a lovely new pool and already we have eight new members all keen to learn scuba to the international standard we guarantee.”

There is a one-off £100 joining fee and a small monthly fee of £10 per month, which covers training, equipment and Scottish coastal dives, trips abroad cost extra.

The club has a new website, visit: HOME.

The club’s membership age restrictions are over 16 and less than 80.

Ralph added: “If you fit the bill, we will teach you all you need to see the wonders of the sea, and with our new-found bell, we can certainly ring-in the new year bells!”
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Antipodean Andy · Dec 29, 2008

An excellent find. Well done, those men.

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Trawler sunk by U-boat found

Kyt Άρης

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