UPY 2025

UPY  Wrecks - Highly Commended
'The Bridge'
David Alpert

In October 1983, The Christoforos, formerly a collier named Thomas Hardie, sailed from the Port of Volos laden with cement. The weather changed with strong winds causing a list that only worsened as the night bore on. Seeking refuge in the natural harbour of Panormos on the idyllic island of Skopolos, things went from bad to worse. Eventually the order was given to abandon ship and she sank in 43m of water. There she lies today upright on the sea bed still in her catastrophic sinking state. It was a privilege to see such a wreck - not yet sanitised to make diving safe. Through the use of multiple lights my aim was to bring the bridge to life. My buddy in full wreck penetration gear illustrates that this is not one for the inexperienced diver. Just a moment of lost concentration totally blacks out the space with silt.

Judge's comment: As the loose wiring and David’s back story confirms, this is a deep, unsafe wreck and both the model and photographer have captured the chaotic and claustrophobic scene without disturbing the silt. Very impressive skills and vision.
Peter Rowlands