Halcyon Yachts
Well-Known Member
I recently delivered a Moody 31 to West Mersea, and although I have sailed around this area before it was my first time to land at Mersea Island...
The sail across the Thames Estuary was delightful; warm and sunny with a steady force 3.
During the transfer from the tender to the pontoon, my waterproof camera came adrift and quickly sank into the dark water. As it is a waterproof camera I felt obliged to try and recover it. I always carry a mask and snorkel with me on deliveries (just in case) so I had no real excuse. I dived several times, using the tidal flow to drift over the area the camera was lost. The water was around 3 metres deep and the visibility was a metre at best... After several attempts I had resigned myself to the loss of my camera - A modern day gift to Neptune: Perhaps Neptune even has a facebook page, and will be uploading pictures as I write... As I slowly warmed myself on the pontoon my delirious thoughts subsided, and I was brought back to earth by a friendly Gentleman who had witnessed the whole event. I suppose snorkelling off Mersea Island in October isn't that common? The local man in question was very kind, he had taken my address and promised to search the area at low tide that evening.
A few days later I received a phone call, "I've been down three times with a rake and net, but still can't find your camera", "I've spoken to some friends, and we'll be going down again with an Oyster Dredger - we'll widen the search and hopefully get you a result..."
I am now back at home, and as yet haven't received a camera in the post - my fingers remain crossed, as it seems the search continues...
Whether I ever get the camera back is insignificant compared to the positive experience the whole incident has caused. I am overwhelmed by the effort and generosity of the man in question, and will have lasting happy memories of the people of West Mersea.
Pete
The sail across the Thames Estuary was delightful; warm and sunny with a steady force 3.
During the transfer from the tender to the pontoon, my waterproof camera came adrift and quickly sank into the dark water. As it is a waterproof camera I felt obliged to try and recover it. I always carry a mask and snorkel with me on deliveries (just in case) so I had no real excuse. I dived several times, using the tidal flow to drift over the area the camera was lost. The water was around 3 metres deep and the visibility was a metre at best... After several attempts I had resigned myself to the loss of my camera - A modern day gift to Neptune: Perhaps Neptune even has a facebook page, and will be uploading pictures as I write... As I slowly warmed myself on the pontoon my delirious thoughts subsided, and I was brought back to earth by a friendly Gentleman who had witnessed the whole event. I suppose snorkelling off Mersea Island in October isn't that common? The local man in question was very kind, he had taken my address and promised to search the area at low tide that evening.
A few days later I received a phone call, "I've been down three times with a rake and net, but still can't find your camera", "I've spoken to some friends, and we'll be going down again with an Oyster Dredger - we'll widen the search and hopefully get you a result..."
I am now back at home, and as yet haven't received a camera in the post - my fingers remain crossed, as it seems the search continues...
Whether I ever get the camera back is insignificant compared to the positive experience the whole incident has caused. I am overwhelmed by the effort and generosity of the man in question, and will have lasting happy memories of the people of West Mersea.
Pete
