Open Letter To Llanreath Divers

This is an open letter to the members of Llanreath Divers (BSAC 2058). It
represents my views alone, as a diver active around Pembrokeshire. It is
placed on uk.rec.scuba because I believe all divers should have the right to
comment. It has been forwarded directly off-list to the only e-mail address
I have for Llanreath Divers.

The grape-vine has brought it to my attention that Llanreath Divers intend
to sink a block of lead with attached inscription off Stack Rocks in early
January, to record the passing of a fellow diver at that place last summer.

Please be advised that I am absolutely opposed to any such plan. As a diver
active around west Wales I do NOT want to come upon monuments to dead divers
at the sites I visit underwater.

Surely there are better ways of remembering Tony as he was in life; a great
person and a great diver? Would he really want those who follow reminded of
how and where he died, rather than how he lived? As a diver and speaking
for myself I certainly wouldn't. Could the money that is being sunk into
this project not be better used by the RNLI, or for first aid or diver
training?

Is a block of completely inert lead the way to do this? Lead is forever,
life is transient. What are your plans for ongoing maintenace of this
monument through time? What rights do you have to sink this thing in the
first place - who have you consulted, who has given permission for this
sinking? Certainly not me?

Is this in line with BSAC policy for recording divers passing?

I would ask you to please reconsider your intentions. Please leave our dive
sites completely alone - they are not yours to leave markers on as you see
fit. Stack Rocks is a superb site, please leave it in the the pristine
unsullied condition that Tony experienced when he dived there.

Kind regards,

Malcolm.