DATELINE: 28th April 2001

DIVE CENTRE TO HONOUR GRAVES
Orkney's European Technical Dive Centre has set up a charity, the Divers' Wreck Memorial Appeal, which its says will raise funds to build memorials to the dead of sunken military ships.
The ETDC hopes that the appeal will, first off, raise £13,000 to fund a marble obelisk memorial to the 379 men who died aboard the Clyde-wrecked aircraft carrier HMS Dasher. A team from the centre has previously dived the ship. Memorials to those who died on HMS Exmouth and HMS Pheasant are also planned.
Where appropriate, after consultation with the MoD and wreck associations, dives will be made to inspect and record the condition of wrecks. This summer an ETDC team, led by Mark Reeves, plans to dive the destroyer HMS Exmouth off Scotland's east coast, with the agreement of the MoD and the relatives of those who were lost.
The team has a near-certain position for the ship, although its identity has yet to be confirmed. Once they know they have found the Exmouth, the team will photograph and video the wreck, but will not interfere with it due to its satus as a war grave.
Memorial appeal donations should be sent to: Divers' Wreck Memorial Appeal, ETDC, Garisle Burray, Orkney KW17 2SS; 01856 731269; www.technicaldivers.com

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