The sinking of HMS Scylla.

 

Saturday 27th March 2004, and the decommissoned British frigate HMS Scylla is to be scuttled off the coast of Plymouth. Whitsand Bay was the scene of the first ever deliberate sinking of of a redundant warship anywhere in Europe. The ship was sunk to form a new artificial reef and new diving location.

This page has some of the pictures from the live coverage:

 

HMS Scylla sits at anchor a few minutes before explosive charges rip the bottom out of her. This nice broadside shot shows the hulk of the 36 year old frigate to good effect:

HMS Scylla sits at anchor a few minutes before being blown up.

 

The BBC had a camera attached to the bridge area:

The picture from the BBC camera attatched to the wreck

 

The first set of explosions are set off at 15:33 UK time:

The first explosions at 15:33 UK time

 

A few seconds later, the main detonations open her up, the water floods in, and she starts to sink:

The explosions rip Scylla open

 

This Sky News helicopter shot shows HMS Scylla tilting over slightly, but settling slowly into the water:

The wreck of HMS Scylla slowly settles into the water.

 

The BBC camera just about to be engulfed by the sea:

The BBC camera is engulfed by the sea

 

The first pictures from the brand new reef. The BBC camera continued to run even after the ship settled on the bottom. The camera will be recovered by Navy divers, the wreck checked to make sure she is safe, and tomorrow at 5pm, the area will be opened up for anyone to dive on.

The first pictures from the new reef!

 

Pictures are © BBC News 24 and Sky News

 

HMS Scylla.  (Leander Class frigate)

The final frigate built at Devonport Dockyard - 1968

Length - 113m

Displacement -  2500 tonnes

HMS Scylla has had a an eventful life, she collided with the Torpoint Ferry in 1973 (!)

In 1975 she was involved in the Icelandic "Cod Wars"

August 1980 she was involved in emergency hurricane relief work in the Caribbean.

1982 - despatched to the Falklands to help repel the Argentinian invaders.

Taken out of service and decommissioned 1993. She slowly rusted at anchor as the Navy tried to find a new home for her.

Purchased 2003 by the National Marine Aquarium, and stripped to make her secure for a new life as a reef.  :-)

Sunk 1533 GMT on 27th March 2004 at 50 19.58' degrees North, 4 15.19' degrees West. She will provide a new home for many types of marine life, and should give at least 50 years service in her new role.

 

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