Nine of our club members returned in August 2001 to the Sound of Mull, to dive on some of the historic wrecks there. The main objective was to dive on "The Swan."

This was one of Cromwell's fleet sent north in September, 1653, to attack the Royalist stronghold of Duart Castle, and bring the Macleans to heel. The attack was successful, but a violent storm soon afterwards brought about the shipwreck of half the fleet. "The Swan," one of the fleet which was lost, was discovered in 1979, in 14 metres of water, off the rocky headland at Duart Point. Last year when we paid a visit, the archaeologists had finished their season's work, and the excavation had been covered with sand bags to prevent erosion by winter storms. This year the archaeologists were still on site, so we were able to see the hull and ribs of the ship. The wood is in very good condition when one considers it has been underwater for almost 350 years. Many of the ship's cannons can be seen around the wreck. Pieces of carved wood, etc. have been taken to Edinburgh Museum, where they are undergoing treatment to prevent further deterioration. This wreck is designated under the 1973 Protection of Wrecks Act because of its historical importance. Access is limited to holders of a licence from Historic Scotland.

Another protected wreck we visited was "HMS Dartmouth." This ship was blown from its anchorage and wrecked in 1690. It lies in about 10 metres of water. Nothing can be seen of the woodwork, but many cannons and two anchors are visible. We also dived on "The Hispania," a steel steamship sunk in 1954, "The John Preston," a wooden schooner sunk in 1882, and "The Thesis," an iron steamship sunk in 1889. "The Thesis" is a most spectacular wreck. It has remained upright and is festooned with marine growth. It is still possible to make out the boiler tops and much of the deck machinery. Fish which are attracted to wrecks with all the nooks and crannies were seen everywhere. This was the last dive to finish the weekend.