Underwater Assessment and Salvage Operation on a Sunken Fishing Trawler off Brixham Executive Summary Apex Diving & Marine was engaged by insurance experts to investigate a sunken fishing trawler off the coast of Brixham, UK. The operation involved locating the wreck, assessing the validity of an insurance claim, and ensuring the site was made safe by removing hazardous materials. Operating at depths exceeding 25 meters, the team employed advanced HSE-compliant surface-supplied nitrox breathing systems while adhering to US Navy (USN) air tables for enhanced safety. This case study highlights the challenges faced, the innovative solutions implemented, and the successful outcomes achieved, demonstrating Apex Diving & Marine's expertise in high-risk underwater environments. Background In early 2023, a fishing trawler reported as sunk off Brixham Harbor in Devon, England, prompted an insurance claim from the vessel's owners. The incident raised questions about the circumstances of the sinking, including potential foul play or negligence, necessitating an independent verification. Insurance adjusters contacted Apex Diving & Marine due to the company's proven track record in maritime investigations and salvage operations in challenging coastal waters. Apex Diving & Marine, operates a fleet of specialized dive support vessels equipped with state-of-the-art sonar, ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles), and surface-supplied diving systems. The team consists of certified commercial divers trained to HSE (Health and Safety Executive) standards, with experience in depths up to 50 meters. For this project, the company was tasked with dual objectives: confirming the legitimacy of the claim through detailed wreck assessment and mitigating environmental and navigational hazards by clearing debris. The Challenge The operation presented several complexities: Depth and Visibility Issues: The wreck lay at depths of 25-30+ meters in the English Channel, where tidal currents and limited visibility complicated navigation and operations. Hazardous Materials: The trawler was entangled with fishing lines, trawls, nets, broken glass from cabin windows, and other equipment, posing risks to marine life, passing vessels, and divers. These items needed careful removal to prevent further environmental damage or accidents. Safety and Compliance: At these depths, standard air diving carries risks of nitrogen narcosis and decompression sickness. The team had to balance efficiency with stringent safety protocols while verifying the claim's details, such as the vessel's condition and cause of sinking. Time Sensitivity: Insurance processes required swift action to avoid claim disputes, and weather windows in the Channel are unpredictable, demanding rapid mobilization. Approach and Methodology Apex Diving & Marine adopted a structured, safety-first approach to execute the mission: 1. Pre-Dive Planning and Site Location: - The team deployed multibeam sonar and side-scan sonar from their dive support vessel to pinpoint the wreck's coordinates, confirming its position offshore. 2. Diving Operations: - Divers utilized HSE-approved surface-supplied diving equipment with nitrox (a nitrogen-oxygen mix) to reduce nitrogen absorption, enhancing alertness and safety at depth. - Decompression schedules followed USN air tables, allowing bottom times (up to 40 minutes per dive) while minimizing decompression obligations. - A team of 7 divers rotated shifts, supported by surface tenders monitoring gas supplies, communications, and emergency protocols. - Assessment Phase: Divers conducted visual inspections, photographing and documenting the trawler's hull integrity, machinery, and potential failure points to validate the insurance claim. - Salvage Phase: Hazardous items were systematically removed using hydraulic cutters, lift bags, and winches. This included disentangling miles of fishing lines and nets, securing loose trawls, and clearing shattered glass and debris to render the wreck non-hazardous. 3. Safety Measures: - Real-time monitoring via helmet-mounted cameras and two-way audio ensured constant oversight. - Local emergency hyperbaric chambers were on standby. - Environmental considerations ensuring no pollutants were released during operations. Results and Outcomes The mission was completed successfully with no incidents, underscoring Apex Diving & Marine's operational excellence: Site Safety: All identified hazards were removed, reducing risks to navigation and the ecosystem. Post-operation surveys verified the wreck's stabilized condition. Environmental Impact: Removal of fishing gear prevented "ghost fishing," protecting local marine species in this busy fishing area. Client feedback from the insurance firm praised the team's professionalism, with one adjuster noting, "Apex Diving & Marine's thorough assessment provided irrefutable evidence, streamlining our process." Apex Diving & Marine continues to set industry standards in underwater services, proving that meticulous preparation and innovative techniques can turn complex challenges into successful outcomes.