A Leander class frigate launched in 1968, this was the last ship to be built at Devonport Dockyard. She now lies close to the James Eagan Layne in Whitesand Bay, near Plymouth, having been sunk in the spring of 2004 to create Europe's first large scale artificial reef.
As she is a new wreck, there is little life on her as yet, although she is beginning to be colonised by colonial hydroids (Tubularia indivisa), Bib have been seen under the bow and stern and Red Mullet in the hanger, also Pollack, John Dory, Squid, Cuttlefish and Jellyfish
Vital Statistics
Length: 113metres
Max Depth: 27 metres
Depth to deck: max 18 metres
Location and Orientation:
Located in Whitesand Bay, approximately 5 miles from Plymouth and 8 miles from Looe. She lies in an upright position
Buoy Lines:
There are 3 chain lines (bow, midships and stern), each of which normally has a 5 gallon drum full of air attached halfway up to keep the lower part of the chain from snagging on the wreck and pulling the buoys underwater. Use the chains, keeping one hand on them at all times as cuurents can sometimes be strong here.
Location Of Buoys:
The wreck is permanantly buoyed with no tidal restrictions.
The bow line is 30 feet back from the bow in the centre of the deck. The stern line is 20 feet forward from the stern, again in the centre of the deck. A midships line lies on the port side, attached to the deck above the waists (side corridors), between the hanger and the bridge.
In poor visability, go to the top deck, either bow or stern and swim along the centre of the wreck towards the opposite end. The stern line is located between the back and the honeycombe metal section on the flight deck. The bow line is just past a foot high 'V' shaped metal piece pointing towards the bow 30 feet back.
If you can't find the lines, launch your delayed SMB and complete a normal ascent with a safety stop.
Wreck Penetrations:
Sone areas of the Scylla are too narrow for two divers to swim side by side and therefore if you have an air problem, you will not be able to reach your buddy's alternate to get out. Do not proceed into these areas unless you have and are experienced at using a 2m long regulator hose.
There are areas of the wreck suitable for ever level of diver, but please use good judgement in deciding where to go. Guides to the wreck are available from dive shops in the area for approx £8, which include complete deck plans and lots of other useful information including a marine life guide.
Yellow Signs:
You may see the following signs located around the wreck:
SAMPLE SITE - Do not touch, the aquarium is using these as research points
CHECK YOUR AIR - Remember the rule of thirds is you are inside!
DO NOT ENTER - Some compartments are not suitable for divers and have been sealed off for a reason. There are plenty of challenging areas on Scylla's other decks.
Note: This wreck lies within a NO TAKE ZONE. This applies to marine life and bits of wreck!!!