Project #1 - Bayville Submarine?
According to many dive books, there is supposedly the remains of a World War One British Submarine (2-man type) off of the beach in Bayville. I have been researching the story since the beginning of last Fall. The UHRS is trying to positively identify the wreck for historical record. Any and all information you or a friend may have is usefull. Please feel free to email us at shipshapedive@hotmail.com. Thanks and check back frequently for additional updates, information, and more!
The Dives
We started diving on May 30th. Myself and Diver Ryan Vessichelli donned our gear for the first set of dives. The water temperature hovered right around 52 degrees, but with our head to toe wetsuits we were really warm. We completed a beach dive for our first dive on the wreckage. We located the wreckage utlizing information we had collected from various sources. The wreckage of the "sub" was a little east of our research, but we found it and spent most of the dive, familiarizing ourselves with what was left of the supposed submarine.
Chief Diver - Adam Grohman - back from the first dive.
UHRS Diver - Ryan Vessichelli
During our overview of the wreck location, I found a small bottle approximately 4-5 inches in length. The mystery bottle was completed covered in marine growth and looked like it had been on the bottom of the Long Island Sound for quite some time. I handed it to Ryan and he placed it in the pocket of his bouyency vest. Once I got home, I photographed and cleaned the little bottle. My thoughts were that it might turn out to be an interesting piece of evidence that might help me with my research. Only time would tell.
Bottle before cleaning covered in marine growth.
Bottle after cleaning.
The bottom of the bottle revealed some markings. I researched the markings on the internet search engine and found out that the bottle was from anytime between 1961-1997.
What I found out about HG over a Triangle. It's origin is from the Hillsboro Glass Company in Hillsboro, IL. The company produced bottles from 1961-1997. I am assuming that the "71" that is located to the right of the "HG" is either a date of manufacture or a lot number. The bottle is a clear piece of evidence...one must realize that Contamination of a site is always an issue. Either way, an interesting bottle find none the less.
The Wreckage of the Sub?
There is not much left of the "submarine." Ryan and I dove along the entire wreckage area to "see" what was left. At this point, the level of deterioration is quite apparent. All that looks available to document and research are the metal frames of the skeleton of the sub. The entire top section of the sub however is gone. If you were diving and found this wreckage, I do not think you would be able to ascertain that it was a sub at all. There do look to be parts of the propulsion system but future dives will have to be used to check on that theory. I took several measurements to try to "match up" the "sub" with other subs on record.
I did take along a length of line to measure the overall length of the wreck. I was suprised when I measured the wreck, that the line was not long enough for the entire wreck. The wreck(age) is over 33+ feet. time. I am going to take additional measurements during future dives on the site.
Overall conclusions at this point are that the sub was bigger then I originally thought. I expected a two man submarine to be no longer then 30 feet at the maximum and that the level of destruction, whether caused by years of weather and exposure or if its level of deteroriation is of a man made event.
Only future dives will allow the Underwater Historical Research Society with the evidence to finally figure out the mystery of the Bayville Submarine.
September 25th, 2005 Dive - UPDATES
Sergio and I dove again on the wreckage of the sub, this time with measuring equipment. The debris field is much larger then originally anticipated. Additionally, we did find a few items in the debris field which may supply us with some clues. The items found are now being photographed, cleaned, and catalouged for the research project. Also, Sergio and I took measurements of some of the wreckage in the hopes that we will be able to match it up with a known sub schematic drawing. Members of the UHRS will be diving again on the site this upcoming weekend...and we promise more information as we come across it. Thanks again for your support!
Sergio and Adam after the Dive.
Joe - Surface tender and assistant
Artifacts...Clues or Contamination or Both?
As with any dive site, contamination is a constant concern, especially when trying to piece together clues. Over the past few dives, we have uncovered a few items. Obviously, most of the below items are obvious contamination, but some others have left us wondering. We will update all of you when we make some additional headway.
Pressure Valve?
A "rubbing" of the valve.
This piece of heavy bronze was found by Sergio during one of our dives. It is missing the handle that would normally be on the top section. After cleaning, I found a maker's mark on the bulbous section of the valve. Using a rubbing technique, I was able to make out what I believe to be "JENKINS." There are some other letters, but due to the level of corrosion on the piece, those additional letters may be lost to antiquity. As with any submarine, the number of pressure valves, kingston valves, etc, that would have been used would have been extensive throughout the various sections of the boat. Is this one of the valves used?
Some old Soda Bottles
Found amongst the debris field were three soda bottles. All are from different vintages.From left to right: a 6 ounce Coca-Cola Bottle, a larger Coca-Cola Bottle and an old Pepsi Bottle. Of course, these three items are probably contamination. They were found in various areas among the debris field, and there locations have been noted on our debris field notes.
Other Debris
These two items were also found amongst the debris field. On the left is a brass/bronze door handle. Next to it is a piece of think white china. Again, most likely, both of these items are contamination of the wreckage site, but at this point, who knows?
More pictures to follow soon! Check back often.
Stop by frequently for additional information. Thanks, the UHRS Society Dive Team
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