Exercise Neptune Serpent 2015 was an adventure training diving expedition to the Egyptian Red Sea in March 2015. It was organised by HQ 2nd Medical Brigade and included Reservists and a few Regulars from across the UK. It was based on a live-aboard vessel, the MY Nimar based out of Hurghada and a total of 21 Army personnel took part.
The expedition was blessed with great weather throughout the week and the sea conditions remained near perfect all week with very good visibility.
After completing the mandatory pre-dive safety briefs and familiarisations, the expedition got underway in earnest on Sat 21st March. During the week, dives were conducted at various dive sites including Ras-Mohammed National Park, Abu Nuhas Reef and around the straits of Gubal.
The expedition conducted 3 dives on the SS Thistlegorm, a freighter sunk by German bombers in 1941. The SS Thistlegorm is one of the best wreck dives in the world with a variety of equipment ranging from rifles, trucks and steam engines that can be easily seen. The Thistlegorm dives were some of the best of the expedition.
The expedition paused on the occasion of the last dive to conduct a small service of remembrance for the 9 sailors who died in the sinking of the SS Thistlegorm. Major Stone led the short service, casting a wreath into the water and observing a minute’s silence. He and Captain McIntosh then attached a large poppy to the bow of the Thistlegorm on that last dive.
The Ex was a great success, enjoyed by all those who took part. During the expedition 7 people attained their BSAC Sports Diver Qualification and 2 members completed 70% of their Dive Leader qualification. A total of 17 dives were completed and these included reef dives, drift dives, 2 night dives and various wreck dives.
