OVERDUE CLEAN-UP AT “BUSTER CRABB’S DIVE SITE”

AN HISTORIC shipwreck site of Gibraltar has been targeted by a team of scuba divers from neighbouring Spain – as part of a global underwater clean up operation.

The Malaga-based divers selected the Rock’s well-known Camp Bay area not only because it remains one of the Mediterranean’s top diving attractions, but for its long and fascinating history.

British naval frogman Lionel “Buster” Crabb learnt to dive there during the Second World War, while the body of Lord Admiral Nelson was dropped off at nearby Rosia Bay following the Battle of Trafalgar.

But it was a more peaceful type of action taking place on Saturday as Instructors, Divemasters and volunteers from Simply Diving – a British-run PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Dive Centre on the Costa del Sol – spent the day collecting rubbish from the sea bed and the many wrecks that make up the artificial reef.

They were taking part in the International Underwater and Beach Clean Up Day organised by worldwide marine protection foundation Project AWARE.

Our dive sites are not just our playgrounds. They must be respected wherever they are.

And among their haul of countless glass and plastic bottles, yards of discarded fishing line, plus scores of beer and soda cans, was a giant bin, a ship’s rudder, half a bicycle and a toddler’s rocking horse.

“This is the Gateway to the Med and one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, so it’s no wonder that the bays and beaches here get a fair share of marine debris,” said Simon Bell, Simply Diving’s Dive Operations Manager.

“But Camp Bay is also a hugely popular dive site and has been for a good few decades. It’s one that we visit on a regular basis and so thought we should devote at least a day to giving it a good tidy up.

“This is where the famous Buster Crabb was first trained in using underwater breathing apparatus to counter the Italian diving charioteers who were attacking British ships from underwater. I’m not sure what he would have made of members of our team riding an old smelly bin hoisted by a big red lift bag.”

The dive team’s efforts coincided with Clean Up The World Day and so local volunteers – out in force to pick up litter across Gibraltar - were on hand to help with clearing away accumulated rubbish.

Also joining the action was the founder of the Camp Bay Artificial Reef Project Dr Eric Shaw himself to advise on interacting with the abundant and varied marine life, as well as to brief the divers on the significance of the site as a whole.

“It was great to be made welcome by the people and authorities of Gibraltar,” added Mr Bell. “Even though our dive centre is on the other side of the border, we have made some good friends and will be back very soon to get involved in more marine conservation projects.

“As an Official Partner of Project AWARE, we are always telling our divers that our dive sites are not just our playgrounds. They must be respected wherever they are.”

Project AWARE Foundation.

Find out more about the Gibraltar-based charity "The Helping Hand Marine Research".

IN THE NEWS!

…in the press and online

	Sport Diver magazine, November 2009 [PDF, 1.3Mb]
	Costa Del Sol News, October 2009 [PDF, 800Kb]
	Bebo reality show Gapyear.com, October 2008
	BMI Baby inflight magazine, August 2008 [PDF, 400Kb]
	Sport Diver magazine, January 2008