Councillors agree on dive wreck plan

This is Devon - 

The idea of sinking a money-spinning shipwreck off the South Devon coast as a diving attraction has been supported in principle by Torbay’s harbour committee.

The support follows a campaign by Mike Byfield and James Doddrell to buy the Royal Navy’s redundant aircraft carrier Ark Royal and scuttle it in Lyme Bay as a mark for divers.

The duo have held informal talks with the Bay’s chief harbour master Capt Kevin Mowat following an approach by Brixham councillor Andrew Baldrey.

Capt Mowat said the project fits in with council’s marine strategies and business plans.

He said the idea has proved a success in Plymouth with the scuttling of the warship Scylla.

“The idea of the Ark Royal is hugely ambitious and I have said so. We could not even sink a minesweeper in the Bay and they are acutely aware of that.

“I have given them the time because there are possible economic benefits.”

Capt Mowat said if the project does come to life the site would be outside of the harbour jurisdiction, around six miles into Lyme Bay, and would not involve the council or the committee.

“It is not a new idea but it is a concept that occurs in other parts of the world.”

He said any information for the committee would be based solely on possible money-making issues.

He added: “If it is delivered it will have economic benefits and it is on that level I can offer my support.”

He said any decision would have to involve many parties including Torbay and Brixham Shipping Agents who run the ship pilotage service in Lyme Bay which brings many large ships to an area off Berry Head, and Trinity House who would have to mark the site with navigation buoys.

Mayor Gordon Oliver backed the idea in principle and said the committee should do the same.

He said: “In principle I support and recommend that to be involved in the decision we have to support it and assist that idea wherever possible.

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