UPY 2025

UPY 2018 Wrecks - Highly Commended
'OCD Diver Tries To Right Shipwreck'
Susannah H. Snowden-Smith

For six years, the 251 foot long ex-USS Kittiwake sat upright where it was sunk as an artificial reef. On October 8, 2017, it was discovered that powerful surge from passing hurricane Nate had rolled the ship onto its side. I raced to find a dive operator to take me out there, and was able to dive and document the shipwreck the very next day. I was showing those initial photographs to my husband and my friend when I had an idea: "Wouldn't it be funny if a diver with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) was so bothered by the ship being on its side that they tried to right it?" The idea for a photograph was born! My friend Simon Claeys modeled for me in the photograph. In order to make it look authentic, Simon actually 'attempted' to push the ship upright. The bubbles in the photograph are from his effort.

Judge's comment: The Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) works a treat with this particular image and it's an ideal example of why we judges like to know the 'back story' before we go to press with our comments. Susannah I am so pleased you gave the game away or I could have been very embarrassed with my comments. I should also mention that apart from the irony, it is a very well executed and clean wreck shot. Very well done and an example to others that judges can enjoy a laugh! Martin Edge