Maritime and Coastguard Agency
 Printable version
|
 E-mail this to a friend
|
First underwater view of Northern Ireland coastline unveiled
An European funded project to survey the seabed off the northern coast of Ireland, parts of which have not been surveyed since Victorian times, has started to provide some spectacular results showing underwater cliffs, reefs, caves and what may have been a lagoon. The wreck of a ship which sank in 1918 has also been discovered.
Survey operations started in November last year and vessels using modern multi-beam echo sounding technology have been surveying a 3 nautical mile coastal strip westward from Country Antrim, around Rathlin Island to Inishtrahull Island off Donegal. Those results have now been collated into a graphical display.
The data gained will be used to provide more accurate navigational charts and to study the topography of the sea floor.
The Joint Irish Bathymetric Survey (JIBS) Project is being led by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in partnership with the Marine Institute of Ireland. This E2.1m joint venture is being entirely funded by the EU from their INTERREG Programme, which is co-ordinated by the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland.
Rob Spillard, Hydrographic Manager MCA and leader of the project said:
"The MCA's contractors have been working since the beginning of the year in this area and, although at times hampered by severe weather, data has shown that there are some remarkable features on the seabed which were previously not known about - including caves and what may have been a lagoon.
"The data also shows a wreck, which is thought to be that of the SS Diamond, a steam coaster which sank after a collision with the SS Lily near Rathlin Island in 1918.
From the data received, we have developed a 3D 'fly through movie' which enables viewers to 'fly' across the seabed and see all the features."
The 3D fly through movie is available to view at:
http://www.vnrs.co.uk/mca/video/rathlin.wmv
The MCA's Project Partners, the Marine Institute, are also surveying at the moment, using their research vessel the Celtic Voyager and are having equally interesting results.
The survey results data will be provided to the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office for the updating of nautical charts and publications in Northern Irish and Irish waters, improving safety for mariner.
The multibeam bathymetry and backscatter survey data will also be made available on the web later this year for the benefit of all users of this maritime area. The results will contribute towards increased safety for commercial and recreational sailors and fishermen and an enhanced knowledge of the biological, geological and archaeological features of this underwater area.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. The EU INTERREG IIIA Programme addresses the economic and social disadvantages which can result from the existence of a border. It does this by promoting the creation of cross border networks involving and benefiting local communities. The programme covers all of Northern Ireland and the six border counties of Ireland.
2. Members of the public may see the survey vessels sailing close inshore, making a series of parallel tracks which are required to ensure total coverage of the seabed.
3. A higher resolution movie (larger file size) is available on request.
Link to previous press notices on this subject:
Press releases and further information about the Agency is available on the Web at http://www.mcga.gov.uk
