On May 29th 2015, 11 intrepid souls headed north to the Lermontov lodge, which is situated on the remote tip of the Queen Charlotte Sound, to embark on a 3 day adventure, diving the wreck of the Mikhail Lermontov.

For those who don’t know, the Mikhail Lermontov was a Russian cruise liner which unfortunately sank after taking the wrong channel whilst navigating around Cape Jackson. The ship wreck is now lying in 35m of water, on her starboard side, in the beautiful but remote Port Gore.

Day 1

After a long drive the day before we awoke early to an overcast morning. After breakfast, we setup our gear, loaded the boats and set out for our first dive of the day. Our 10 min boat ride to our dive site was filled with excited chatter. On arrival, over the side we went and down the line to the wreck. The visibility on the top side of the wreck was about 3m, no too flash. After 40 minutes of sightseeing, all divers were back on board. Back to the digs for a spot of lunch!

2 pm saw us heading out for our second dive of the day. Conditions had improved slightly, yielding 5 m visibility. Another epic dive. More sightseeing, with some of our divers taking in such sights as the winter garden and swimming pool. Others went to investigate the props, conning tower and bow thrusters.

That evening, there was lots of excited talk about what had been seen, and what to look at the next day.

Port Gore – Mickhail Lermontov Wreck Dive Site

Day 2

Starting much the same way as the previous day, we set out early after a hearty breakfast. Conditions top side were a little rougher than the previous day, but this was not going to deter the expedition.  Divers split into 3 groups this time, with eagerly prepared dive plans. This time, some were checking out the Boishoi Lounge, others were going to inspect the bow thruster and hull damage. Another excellent dive.  Back to the lodge for some lunch me thinks!

Again, at about 2 pm we set out for our second dive of the day. Just like the previous dive, groups had their own agenda, as to what to see and do. Again, after about 40 minutes, everyone was back safely onboard the boats, and heading back to the lodge.

That evening, divers talked about what they had seen, others about what they wanted to see, and the rest just crashed!!!

Beautiful Dive Site Port Gore New Zealand

Day 3

Same start to the day as the two previous days. Breakfast, gear up, on the dive boats and into the water. Again, another fantastic dive. Just when you think you have seen it all, something else jumps out and shouts ‘Look at Me’!! Again, another 40 minutes of some breath-taking diving. Back on the boats we went and headed back in again for yup, you guessed it, Lunch! This time, lunch was served on the beach. A little different to the other days, but we were keen to get another dive in before having to travel back home.

Tanks were swapped, food consumed, and off we went for our second dive. Again, epic is all I can say. Words cannot describe what lies under the sea in the picturesque location of Port Gore. After a brief 30 minutes, again, all divers were heading back to the lodge to wash our dive gear, pack away and ready ourselves for the drive home.

A big thank you goes out to Brent Snr and Brent Jnr for a fantastic and monumental few days.  Also a thank you to all those whose who joined me for the trip. I can’t wait for the next trip, to Port Gore, which is being held over Show Weekend in November.

Laurence

Call 0800 DIVEHQ and ask the team at the Dive HQ Christchurch dive shop about joining our next trip to the Lermontov