Diveworks International Ltd was urgently called upon to support Jenkins Marine in the recovery of a light aircraft that had ditched into the waters near the Sandbanks Ferry crossing, adjacent to the Haven Hotel.
Upon receiving the emergency call, our team swiftly prepared and submitted the necessary Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) to the Poole Harbour Commissioners. A dive permit was promptly approved.
Within just two hours of the initial call, our dive team was on site conducting a tidal flow assessment. The Diving Supervisor carried out a dynamic risk assessment and identified the need for an additional patrol vessel to manage the area’s heavy marine traffic. The local marine police unit, already in attendance, immediately provided this support.
Jenkins Marine had a work barge equipped with Hiab lifting capabilities stationed nearby. An operational plan was collaboratively developed with the vessel’s skipper and formally agreed upon by all involved parties.
Once tidal conditions aligned with the safe diving parameters outlined in our RAMS, our salvage diver, Steven Kent, entered the water. The aircraft had shifted from its initial resting point, having slid down a slope. A thorough search was conducted until the aircraft was located.
Following surface-level coordination with Jenkins Marine, rigging was securely attached to the aircraft. After a final inspection, the diver was instructed to clear the area and return to the slipway. The aircraft was then carefully lifted onto the deck of the work barge and transported to Jenkins Marine’s yard, where the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) took over for further assessment and investigation.
From the initial emergency call to the successful recovery of the aircraft, the entire operation was completed in just five hours—demonstrating Diveworks International Ltd’s rapid response capability and operational efficiency.
