Diving on the wreck of the SS Thesis (Mull)

The Thesis was an iron built cargo vessel constructed in Belfast by McIlwain, Lewis and Co. and launched in January 1887. Some of her forward hull plating was probably lost in the original wrecking incident in 1889, but more plates have fallen away from her ribs since that date. The loss of large sections of her iron skin allows light to stream into the vessel, and gives the wreck a magical quality.

The site is subject to strong currents that have encouraged colonisation by a range of filter feeders. Over the years the outline of the wreck has been softened by a heavy encrustation of marine life, which includes sea-firs and soft corals. The Thesis today also acts as a sheltered haven for fish, including wrasse and conger eels. It is, therefore, no surprise that she is one of the most atmospheric dive sites in British waters, and consistently listed amongst the top ten British wreck dives.

This was a dive as part of a one week trip to dive the Sound of Mull with Bushey Divers (www.busheydivers.org) on Sound Diver II (www.lochalinedivecentre.co.uk).

Shot using a Sony FX-1 housed in a Gates FX-1/Z1 underwater housing. Light was supplied from two Light & Motion Solas 2000 video lights.

All footage is the property of James Clark
©2013 Dory Video/James Clark
www.doryvideo.co.uk