General Discussions
This is the place to discuss general issues related to the U-boat war or the war at sea in WWII.
Re: Sinking of RFA Darkdale, St Helena
Posted by:
Bruce Salt
()
Date: March 07, 2010 05:53PM
I am a permanent resident on St. Helena Island, but not a diver, do love snorkling. A devout maritime enthusiast though.
I am looking for a photo of the DARKDALE, does anyone know where I might find one please???
During last month (February 2010) the lee shore of the Island got pounded by some heavy swells, the heaviest in more than 20 years it was suggested!
Anyway it really stirred up the seabed and even as deep as the resting place of the RFA DARKDALE at something like 150'as the daily oil slick over the past 60 years intensified dramtically and can now be smelt (well is reeks..) and is staining the hulls of the local boats as well as the visiting yachts - most unpleasant for everyone!!
This slick now stretches for quite a few miles out to sea but the Government don't intend doing anything from the looks of it, yet it is a major enviromental concern.
Saint FM - the island's only FM broadcast radio station reported on this last week and the Government issued a press statement the very next day stating that they were monitoring the slick (so are all of the Islanders..hmphh!) and that they were contacting the relevant authorities....what a load of bollocks!!...if you ask me, they haven't done a stitch!!! That statement was just to passify the residents.
It's a salvage company that they need to contact.
The slick is 40-50' wide and stretches for miles.
My neighbour dives regulary and reports that when decending onto the wreck of the DARKDALE black bubbles (oil) are constantly ascending. The for'ard section is upside down on the seabed and the aft section is upright but listing to one side.
Regards
Bruce
Ham Radio Operator - ZD7VC
I am looking for a photo of the DARKDALE, does anyone know where I might find one please???
During last month (February 2010) the lee shore of the Island got pounded by some heavy swells, the heaviest in more than 20 years it was suggested!
Anyway it really stirred up the seabed and even as deep as the resting place of the RFA DARKDALE at something like 150'as the daily oil slick over the past 60 years intensified dramtically and can now be smelt (well is reeks..) and is staining the hulls of the local boats as well as the visiting yachts - most unpleasant for everyone!!
This slick now stretches for quite a few miles out to sea but the Government don't intend doing anything from the looks of it, yet it is a major enviromental concern.
Saint FM - the island's only FM broadcast radio station reported on this last week and the Government issued a press statement the very next day stating that they were monitoring the slick (so are all of the Islanders..hmphh!) and that they were contacting the relevant authorities....what a load of bollocks!!...if you ask me, they haven't done a stitch!!! That statement was just to passify the residents.
It's a salvage company that they need to contact.
The slick is 40-50' wide and stretches for miles.
My neighbour dives regulary and reports that when decending onto the wreck of the DARKDALE black bubbles (oil) are constantly ascending. The for'ard section is upside down on the seabed and the aft section is upright but listing to one side.
Regards
Bruce
Ham Radio Operator - ZD7VC
