A consortium of groups and businesses has been pushing for over two years to sink a ship off Ringstead Bay. The project could generate up to £1.6m for the local economy every year.

The initiative is already responsible for attracting new businesses to the area. One of the sponsors, ‘The Diver Clinic’ is already building a new shore-based facility in Osprey Quay on Portland. The Facility will include a wreck penetration dive training tank for use by local dive training business such as ‘Fathom & Blues’ , ‘Scimitar Diving’ and Underwater Explorers, three of the supporters involved in the project from the beginning.

The ‘Wreck to Reef’ project will consist of two sunken vessels allowing for diving at varying depths, catering for novice and experienced divers alike. A great boon for the environment it will also include three lobster re-stocking reefs and one environmental reef to enhance the marine flora and fauna.

Another environmental spin off is that the ex Royal Navy ships will be recycled rather than having to be broken up in a detrimental fashion.