The James Eagan Layne was to become one of the most dived wrecks in the United Kingdom. It is also probably one of the safest wrecks to dive; there have been very few diving accidents recorded on the J.E.L. since the vessel sank in the late 40’s.

(click on photo to enlarge)

 

Both divers and anglers used the wreck for their recreational sports; in the latter years, when diving the wreck became much more popular due to the affordability of the sport diving equipment; anglers then stayed away from the wreck leaving it to the divers at weekends. After all there were plenty of fish in the Bay !!!

Various National diving clubs co-operated and declared the James Eagan Layne a "No Take Zone" and as far as divers are concerned an unofficial Marine Conservation Area, the instruction to all who dive the wreck is "Take only pictures, Leave only bubbles". Anglers are still allowed to fish the wreck.

The recent furore caused by the Cornwall County Council over a possible "Marine Conservation Area", and "No Take Zone" in Whitsand bay just seemed to add fuel to the fear that the bay would become a divers only paradise, excluding the anglers from their traditional grounds. This action now seems to have been "laid to rest" due to the strong opposition by Anglers, Commercial fishermen, Recreational boat users and divers.

There is more than enough space for both divers and anglers to exist peacefully together in the Whitsand Bay area.

I feel sure that if the CCC were to have suggested that the MCA/NTZ were to comprise of an area of approximately one kilometre that was centred on either the James Eagan Layne or the Scylla, then all factions would probably have been in agreement with the proposal.