Trip report - Øland 2002 UK

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Öland Expedition 2002

Thursday, april 25th
Dansk

The following morning was misty. My first thought were not at all positive. But everything has a bright side and the lack of wind at least ensured me that we would be able to dive regardless of the mist and a humidity only a few marks below 99%.

We weighed anchor and passed the harbour entrance. After a 3 hour voyage the SS "Walther Leonhardt" was quickly located and the diving commenced.

The old description of the wreck did not raise a lot of expectations about what to see on the wreck. Back in the 80’s the wreck was described as "badly broken and not very interesting".

So I was rather surprised to reach a nice and easy wreck with a lot of things to go for. The 1.300 ton and 75 meter long "Walther Leonhardt" is by my opinion a very interesting wreck with a lot of possibilities.

We arrived a few meters ahead of the engine and after tying in the shot we swam towards the stern of the wreck. Every loose item from the ships bridge, masts and deck was strewn around and everywhere you could find something to examine. Two very large and massive winches was lying in a pile between the no. 3 and 4. cargo hold. Like if a gigantic hand had dropped them there.

A few moments later we reached the stern which had been broken off the hull. The most spectacular thing here was finding an intact steering wheel still standing proud like ready for use. We took a good look at the wheel and this experience definitely added a great deal of excitement to this dive.

We ended the dive after a quick visit in the bow area and steamed off to the "Director Reppenhagen" for the second dive.

On the "Reppenhagen" we also did some nice dives and like yesterday the cabin belonging to Captain Spiegel was closely examined. The "Reppenhagen" is a wreck worth visiting next time we’re in the area. Simply outstanding.

The visibility around us had not improved during the day so with the radar on "MAX" we approached the Grönhögen harbour entrance with every hand and eye on deck. We just saw the entrance as our skipper "flew" the ship into the harbour and in a few minutes we were again lying safely in the harbour.

By the look of the rising waves and the wind, I was more and more convinced that this would be the last expedition day.

(c) nolimitsdiving 2002

The following morning was misty. My first thought were not at all positive. But everything has a bright side and the lack of wind at least ensured me that we would be able to dive regardless of the mist and a humidity only a few marks below 99%. *We weighed anchor and passed the harbour entrance. After a 3 hour voyage the SS "Walther Leonhardt" was quickly located and the diving commenced.* The old description of the wreck did not raise a lot of expectations about what to see on the wreck. Back in the 80’s the wreck was described as "badly broken and not very interesting". So I was rather surprised to reach a nice and easy wreck with a lot of things to go for. The 1.300 ton and 75 meter long "Walther Leonhardt" is by my opinion a very interesting wreck with a lot of possibilities.
We arrived a few meters ahead of the engine and after tying in the shot we swam towards the stern of the wreck. Every loose item from the ships bridge, masts and deck was strewn around and everywhere you could find something to examine. Two very large and massive winches was lying in a pile between the no. 3 and 4. cargo hold. Like if a gigantic hand had dropped them there. A few moments later we reached the stern which had been broken off the hull. The most spectacular thing here was finding an intact steering wheel still standing proud like ready for use. We took a good look at the wheel and this experience definitely added a great deal of excitement to this dive.
*We ended the dive after a quick visit in the bow area and steamed off to the "Director Reppenhagen" for the second dive.* On the "Reppenhagen" we also did some nice dives and like yesterday the cabin belonging to Captain Spiegel was closely examined. The "Reppenhagen" is a wreck worth visiting next time we’re in the area. Simply outstanding. The visibility around us had not improved during the day so with the radar on "MAX" we approached the Grönhögen harbour entrance with every hand and eye on deck. We just saw the entrance as our skipper "flew" the ship into the harbour and in a few minutes we were again lying safely in the harbour. *By the look of the rising waves and the wind, I was more and more convinced that this would be the last expedition day.*