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Scuba Diving South Coast England, UK, Europe
Reader Reviews:
Dive Site: Brighton West Pier
Location: Brighton / Hove Seafront
Description: Pier dive
Depth: 8 metres (26 feet)
Visibility: 2 metres (7 feet)
Rating: ***
The West Pier collapsed into the sea on 29th December 2002 after being gutted by fire and battered by winter storms. Since 2002 the structure has slipped further into the sea, its dome now largely settled on the sea bed. It is frequently visited by free-diving spear fishermen, and has formed into a natural reef, playing host to many species of fish, pollack, bream, tompot blennies, conger eels and a variety of different crustaceans. The ironwork is very twisted and contorted and there are a lot of sharp edges. Also monofilament line and netting has become wrapped around some sections, great care should be taken when diving around the site. It definitely requires perfect conditions and excellent visibility, the depth is up to 8 metres, best dived on slack. Not a suitable dive for beginners.
It should be noted that the main supported rectangular structure of the pier which sits 100 yards further out to sea than the dome has very large precariously situated objects, in some cases literally hanging by a thread, which could fall at any time. Swimming under it or near it would be ill advised.
Glenn Dawkins
I am a DM living in Brighton. I have done many, many dives off the coast here and I'd strongly suggest against diving this site. Visibility is almost always rubbish and it is a very dangerous site.
Rich | 07/05/2009
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