Having completed 30+ dives over a number of years abroad, I decided that now was the time to explore the underwater world a little nearer to home.
As I live in Worthing the most obvious club to join was the Worthing BSAC Club. Previously PADI qualified they seamlessly transferred my qualifications across and I was on the BSAC Sports Diver before I knew it.
Having purchased my first ever Dry Suit (and yes you will need one) and bought the other kit I needed from a previous club member, I signed up for my first dive – The Indiana Wreck. The depth is only 12m so an ideal first dive to increase my confidence.
The club have their own RIB which is moored at Littlehampton Marina. Conveniently near the entrance which means you don’t have to lug your kit too far and there are some very handy trolleys you can use.
Scuba diving the Indiana Wreck near Worthing for the first time is an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. Located off the coast of Worthing, England, the Indiana Wreck is a renowned dive site that attracts divers from all around the world. As I geared up and entered the water with a backward roll, I felt a mixture of excitement and anticipation for the adventure that lay ahead.
I wasn’t expecting much having mainly dived in Egypt previously where you can’t see for the amount of tropical high coloured fish and coral. However, I was wrong. Ok, not a huge amount of colour at first glance but as I descended into the depths, I was greeted by a vibrant underwater world. The visibility was 10m which I was told by my fellow divers was very good, allowing me to see the variable marine life and the remains of wreck below. The Indiana Wreck, a historic cargo ship that sank many years ago, now rests on the sandy ocean floor, covered in a variety of marine organisms.
As you approach the wreck, you see that the ship’s skeleton serves as an artificial reef, providing a sanctuary for a diverse array of marine species. Schools of fish, including Bibs, Cuttlefish and Bream as well as Congar eels appearing from various places. Fish were darting in and out of the nooks and crannies, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
The wreck is also adorned with beautiful soft corals, adding a touch of colour and life to the otherwise rusted metal. A kaleidoscope of textures and shapes, the wreck has become an ecosystem of its own, attracting an abundance of marine life that has made it their home.
While exploring the Indiana Wreck, we also encountered some resident marine creatures, lobsters, large Spider Crabs, and even a couple of cuttle fish seeking shelter within the wreckage.
As I ascended with my buddy from the dive using a line, I couldn’t help but reflect on the remarkable experience I had just had. Scuba diving the Indiana Wreck near Worthing for the first time has opened my eyes to the hidden treasures that lie beneath the surface of the ocean. It’s a dive that combines history, marine life, and the thrill of exploration, leaving you with great memories. It also is a perfect response to people who say “ but there’s nothing to see in the UK” Oh yes there is.
