Uncovered Secrets of the Ocean: Tidally Assisted Swims and Ocean Hazards
When discussing the wonders of the ocean, tales of tidal phenomena stand out. Artfully integrated with the power of nature, these underwater currents can turn a simple dip into an epic adventure, and sometimes, into a significant discovery. Here, we explore the concept of "tidally assisted swims" and share a gripping tale of underwater hazards that can present unseen dangers.
Tidally Assisted Swims: When Nature Merges with Adventure
Have you ever heard of tidally assisted swims? This unique practice involves swimmers taking advantage of tidal currents to extend their exploits in the water. Sir James Lighthill, a pioneering figure, set the bar quite high with his around-the-island swim. He completed a 9-hour circumnavigation of the St Marys Isles of Scilly, sans wet suit, using the power of the tide—quite a testament to both the strength of the currents and the skill of the swimmer.
When a swimmer harnesses the current, they can achieve feats far beyond what they could alone. Imagine the scale of a "parcel" or 'body' of sea water that can traverse a 90 km route around Guernsey in 14 hours, at an average speed of 6 km per hour. This phenomenon underscores the hidden forces that shape our seas, and it invites us to appreciate the ocean's mysterious currents.
To better understand these natural phenomena, researchers deploy buoys equipped with drogues. On April 26, 1986, a buoy deployed from the vehicle research ship RV Squilla completed this circuit. Satellite tracking offered incredible insights, demystifying the journey taken by these underwater voyagers.
Uncovering Hidden Dangers in the Ocean
While the ocean offers remarkable experiences, it also harbors hidden dangers. Imagine this: one day, while fishing, you haul in a strange object emitting a pungent odor reminiscent of almonds. This odor was a precursor to a discovery that would change the course of your day.
This particular find was a depth charge from World War II that had remained unexploded for nearly 50 years. The object was encrusted with barnacles, giving it the appearance of a weathered oil drum, with a strange blue glass dome. The smell was too potent to ignore.
Despite the explosives' inactivity, they posed a significant threat. Legend has it that to sink a submarine, depth charges must be within 30 feet, while a ship is far more vulnerable. The depth charge swayed harshly as the ship rolled, a constant threat to the vessel's stability.
The appropriate action, according to the admiralty guidelines, is to secure the object, moveTo shallow water, and dispose of it with a buoy as a marker. However, practicality and safety often demand a more cautious approach. Our team opted to quickly dispose of the depth charge, marking it and allowing others to handle the riskier disposal.
Reflecting on this incident, one crew member, Frankie, quipped that hiding behind the wheelhouse might have offered him temporary shelter, but the explosion's devastation would have made a mockery of his attempt. On another occasion, a mine was hauled to the surface without the attached mine, a near-miss that underscored the calm under the storm of the ocean.
Conclusion: Embracing the Ocean's Wonders and Cautions
The ocean is a mysterious and often fearful place, where the forces of nature can dictate life or death. Utilizing tidal currents for swimming extends the boundaries of human endurance and adventure, but it also calls for a heightened sense of awareness. From secret anti-clockwise flows that traverse islands in record time to the hidden dangers of unexploded ordnance, the ocean remains a fascinating and formidable force.
As we explore these wonders, we must also navigate the hazards that lie beneath. The key is balance: harnessing the power of nature while acknowledging and respecting its potential dangers. Whether it's a swimmer leveraging a current or a fisherman confronting a long-forgotten weapon, the ocean's secrets can both delight and alarm, reminding us of the immense power of our planet.