All overboard for the bus trip of a lifetime
IN a case of “cheers dive!” two Cardiff buses have been captured on film submerged in a quarry near Chepstow.
But don’t worry, they haven’t veered wildly off course and ended up underwater in some bizarre accident, the two former members of the Cardiff Bus fleet have purposefully been placed underwater for the enjoyment of divers.
In fascinating footage shot by the Cynon Valley Sub Aqua Club at the quarry, which forms part of the National Diving and Activity Centre, you can see a double-decker bus and single-decker bus which once traversed the highways and byways of Cardiff and the surrounding areas being investigated by members of the club.
The two buses, which were first placed underwater in 2011, have been submerged to act as attractions for divers of all levels to investigate.
The first bus is a traditional 56-seater single deck bus that weighs in at 6.5 tonnes and was used in active service throughout Cardiff for 15 years. The bus clocked up more than 300,000 miles so there are many in the city who would have travelled on the bus at some stage. It is placed around 17 metres below the surface.
The second vehicle is a traditional orange double-decker bus - although the colour has faded somewhat after finding a new home underwater. It seated around 60 to 80 passengers, is around 10 metres in length, 4.5 metres high and weighs in at around 12 tonnes. The double-decker bus is situated around 23 metres below the surface.
The quarry, which also includes a zip-wire and giant swing, is around 700 metres long and at its deepest point is 80 metres. It caters for beginners and more seasoned, technical divers.
And it’s not just the two buses that are placed below the surface, it has a veritable transportation treasure trove to be discovered below, including two helicopters, several armoured vehicles, three planes, several boats, a Landrover, a Ford Mondeo and a motorbike.
“The underwater buses provide a stable, safe and exciting training platform but also to act as a swim through attraction for the more confident divers,” said centre supervisor Jenni Need.
“So while our students are conducting their skills and drills above you could be swimming through underneath them – you won’t even need a ticket!”
■ Find out more about the National Diving and Activity Centre via www. ndac.co.uk. Anybody interested in joining the Cynon Valley Sub Aqua Club should contact Howard Lewis on 07767 341259 or email howardlewis655@hotmail.com