Blackwater Sub Aqua Club

20/10/2026

https://youtu.be/BJrUa-n4Oao?is=pJ1L40vT_1QE9fvG

19/10/2026

Diving the ZorroZaurre
While the Irish coastline is littered with shipwrecks, examples of fully intact shallow shipwrecks suitable for exploration by trainees are relatively few. The ZorroZaurre located near Castletownbere is an obvious exception and at a maximum depth of 17 meters, means that the diver can enjoy a substantial bottom time without any great decompression obligations or concerns.
The Zorrozaurre was built as a fishing trawler in 1961 and is named after the Zorrozaurre peninsula in the Basque country in Spain. At 36 meters in length, 6.50 meters in breath, 3.60 meters deep and with a gross weight of 250 tonnes the wreck is relatively small and can be quite easily circumnavigated in one dive. At the time of her sinking the ZorroZaurre was registered in Plymouth and had a crew of 12 aboard when it ran into heavy seas 140 miles south of Bantry and the crew had to be rescued by a rescue helicopter leaving her drifting in the open sea. Amazingly she drifted for almost 10 days before settling off the east end of Bere Island in west cork in Christmas 2000/ 2001. Today she lies between Roancarrigmor and Roancarrigbeg rocks on a sandy bottom in the middle of a shipping lane. While the loss of any vessel at sea is always a sad occurrence, at least in the case of the Zorrozaurre there was no loss of life and as the saying goes “every cloud has a silver lining”. The silver lining in this case is that the Zorrozaurre makes for an excellent dive even for a relative novice.
In December 2001 as a group of divers from all parts of the country assembled at the slipway launching boats and loading equipment before departing for Lawrence’s Cove in Bere Island, talk quickly spreads of the new wreck. As the possibility of diving the Zorrozaurre before impinging darkness fell, a dive plan was formulated and the decision was made to look for the wreck. Once over the wreck area the amount of fishing net just below the surface made the dive look hazardous and the decision was made to descend about 20 meters from the wreck and approach it slowly from the bottom. Once we had closed in on the wreck it was obvious that the wreck could be dived quite safely if a small bit of caution was exercised. A quick circumnavigation revealed the propeller was still in place and also a small amount of hull damage where she struck the rocks. After working our way up onto the decks past the Plimsoll line at the bow, the ships holds and masts come into the view, with the masts encrusted in a tangle of netting. After bypassing this section, a ships ladder comes into view and in front of the wheelhouse there appeared to be a set of bulls horns lashed to the railings. At this stage we were inclined to check the depth to ensure we weren’t suffering narcosis and took a second glance to confirm that they were indeed bull’s horns. Directly behind this lay the boats compass housing, the compass since removed. The main point of interest for everyone and area that most time was spent in was the ships wheelhouse, which could be accessed by two narrow doors, one either side of the ship. As we peered in through the windows it was an amazing sight to see all the ships electronics such as radar, VHF radio in exactly the same places as when the crew abandoned ship. Even some of the sailors’ personnel items were still in place such as a flask, a religious statue for good luck, cartons of ci******es and even the odd bottle of the continental ch*****ne. A satchel on the floor of the ship revealed the ships name and details, which allowed us to contact the ships owners to see if they wanted the documentation returned, which they declined. The central point of the cabin the ships wheel and captain’s chair looked as if they were in pristine condition and as if at any moment it would be possible to sit in the chair and put the boat into motion.
Today the Zorrozaurre is still a very enjoyable dive even if there are even now obvious signs of deterioration since we first dived it; with large holes in the hull after over 25 years of exposure to sea water. The wreck has since become a haven for marine life which can be seen in abundance around the wreck and last weekend a group of ten Blackwater divers got to dive the wreck in great conditions and pristine visibility; with the wreck like an underwater reef such was the volume of fish life. There was some fresh fishing net noted in the mast which the divers decided we will try to remove on a future dive as discarded fishing nets can be dangerous to both divers and to fish life as nest like these can continue to catch and trap fish for many years after being lost.
Well done Aoife Roche, Theresa Carey and Pat Smyth who have made huge progress in their first years diving and will soon enough be ready to sit the diver 2 star exam outside the club to become dive leaders (a huge step in any divers progression). Well done to Pat on also logging his first night dive in Bere Island and well done to Paul O Dwyer, Matty Sexton and Dom Bardyzeski who all logged the remainder of their boat handling hours, making them eligible for boat handling exams later in the season. When a small group of divers empty nearly 40 dive cylinders over a weekend in October; it is always a sign of a very successful dive training weekend.

Photos:
Diving in Bere Island last weekend (from left to right) Timmy Carey, Aoife Roche, Theresa Carey, Paul O Dwyer and Pat Smyth (photo; Lorna O Dwyer)
Dive boat departing Lawrences Cove in Bere Island with Matty Sexton on the helm under the watchful eye of club diving officer Susan Vaughan
Pat Smyth who logged 5 open water dives with Eamonn O Herlihy in Bere Island recently (photo; Lorna O Dwyer)
Logging boat-handling hours in Bere Island last weekend Susan Vaughan, Aoife Roche and Paul O Dwyer (photo; Lorna O Dwyer)
Diving in Bere Island recently Aoife Roche, Theresa Carey, Paul O Dwyer and Timmy Carey (photo; Lorna O Dwyer)

12/10/2026

Blackwater Search and Recovery Thanks Supporters Following Elevate Credit Union Charity 5K
Blackwater Sub Aqua Club and its Search and Recovery Unit would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who took part in this year’s Elevate Credit Union Fermoy Charity 5K at Tramore Valley Park on Sunday, October 4th.
It was a fantastic day, with a great turnout of runners, walkers and supporters coming together to raise funds for this year’s two chosen beneficiaries, Blackwater Search and Recovery and Down Syndrome Cork (Field of Dreams).
Participants took on two laps of the 2.5km course, making up the full 5K distance. The course provided an enjoyable route for runners and walkers of all abilities, while the weather also played its part, with the sun shining throughout the event and adding to the atmosphere on the day.
There was a real buzz around Tramore Valley Park, with participants, supporters and families mixing and chatting before the event got underway. As the 5K progressed, the shouts and cheers of encouragement from supporters around the course were both very welcome and encouraging, helping to create a friendly and positive atmosphere for everyone taking part.
A number of Blackwater members travelled to Tramore Valley Park to take part in the event and show their support, with some members taking on the 5K themselves while others represented the Search and Recovery Unit at our information and display stand.
Throughout the day, we had the opportunity to showcase some of the specialist equipment used by our Search and Recovery Unit, including dive equipment, side-scan sonar equipment, full-face masks, dry suits and our river search and recovery boat. The club display attracted a considerable amount of interest, particularly in the side-scan sonar equipment and how it is used during search and recovery operations.
It was a great opportunity to meet members of the public and explain more about the work carried out by the unit. We were delighted to meet so many people and were more than happy to answer questions about our equipment, diving, search and recovery operations and the work carried out by our members. The interest shown in the equipment and in the work of the club was greatly appreciated.
We would like to thank each and every person who took part in the 5K and, in particular, those who took the time to visit our stand and speak with our members. The kindness, encouragement and support shown to Blackwater Search and Recovery throughout the day were genuinely appreciated by everyone involved.
A huge thank you also goes to Elevate Credit Union for choosing Blackwater Search and Recovery as one of the two beneficiaries of this year’s charity event. Being selected as a beneficiary is something the Search and Recovery Unit is hugely appreciative of. The funds raised will help with the upkeep and purchase of vital equipment required for the ongoing operation of the unit.
Events such as the Elevate Credit Union Charity 5K provide a wonderful opportunity to bring communities together while supporting local organisations and causes. The generosity and goodwill shown on Sunday was a real reminder of the fantastic community spirit that exists in Cork.
For Blackwater Sub Aqua Club and its Search and Recovery Unit, being involved in the event was a great opportunity to meet people, showcase the work of our members and raise awareness of the role the unit plays within the community.
From everyone at Blackwater Sub Aqua Club and Blackwater Search and Recovery, thank you to Elevate Credit Union, the organisers, volunteers, participants, supporters and everyone who stopped by to say hello.
Your support means a great deal to us.

Images:
Members of Blackwater Search and Rescue unit with Elevate Credit Union organisers after the successful event,
L to r; Debbie, Louise, Gary & Ciara (Elevate Credit Union), Noel, Paul (Elevate Credit Union), George, Finbarr, Peter and Ken.

Blackwater SAR members who participated in the charity 5k event in Tramore Valley Park; Kenneth Barry, Louise Feeney and Finbarr Murphy.

Kenneth Barry, Noel Hayes, Peter Cooling, Finbarr Murphy, George Goggin and Louise Feeney, all members of Blackwater SAR who had a stand at the charity 5k event in Cork

09/10/2026

https://www.avondhublackwater.com/leader-supporting-blackwater-search-and-rescue/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAU2QsxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAWZkaWQWUP-lNr2XMv1qqntG8m2AFPrRdWN9HXNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR7b51vtymA7x2Bl16myPxDaSWRuVAGOzIRjFYJntXQAt_fG1zy4xbfQjubPbQ_aem_6JMeXDMR0i18F7wvsv7unA

Blackwater Search and Rescue has received €73,571.26 from North Cork LEADER LAG towards the development of a purpose-built boathouse adjacent to its Rescue Unit Centre.

05/10/2026

South Region Exam Success for Blackwater Diver
Every qualification represents more than an exam passed, it represents the training, teamwork and dedication that made it possible.
The Diving Ireland South Region recently hosted a successful regional exam day in Oysterhaven, bringing together candidates from Blackwater Sub Aqua Club and Cork Sub Aqua Club for a challenging day of examinations and well-earned achievements.
For Blackwater Sub Aqua Club, the day marked a particularly proud moment as Paul O’Dwyer successfully completed his Rescue Diver qualification, following months of dedicated training, preparation and commitment.
The Rescue Diver qualification is a significant milestone in a divers training and requires candidates to develop and demonstrate a broad range of rescue and safety skills. Training covers areas including stress and rescue prevention, self-rescue and rescue skills, deep rescue techniques, diver rescue management, in-water resuscitation and first aid, along with CPR and the administration of oxygen.
Before reaching the exam stage, Paul had to complete the required programme of qualifying dives, progressing through the required depth sequence as part of his preparation for the qualification.
The examination itself put those skills into practice, with Paul being assessed on areas including a deep rescue lift, towing, shore management, an oral assessment and the preparation of an emergency plan. Successfully completing these assessments is a considerable achievement and reflects the months of training and preparation involved.
Paul’s success is a fantastic personal milestone and is also a testament to the support and commitment of those around him. Thanks to all of the club instructors and members who supported Paul throughout his preparation and helped him reach this achievement.
While Paul’s achievement is a particular highlight for Blackwater SAC, the Oysterhaven exam day was also a celebration of success across the South Region. Candidates from Cork Sub Aqua Club also successfully completed their examinations, including candidates who achieved their Coxswain qualifications.
The Coxswain qualification carries significant responsibility, requiring competence in boat handling, diver coordination, voyage planning, launching and recovery, and the safe operation of a diving boat in a range of conditions. These skills are an essential part of supporting safe and effective diving operations, and the successful Cork candidates are to be warmly congratulated on their achievement.
It is fantastic to see members from clubs across the region progressing through their training and achieving these important qualifications. Regional exam days are an excellent opportunity to recognise not only individual achievements, but also the teamwork, training and commitment that underpin safe diving.
Everyone in Blackwater Sub Aqua Club would like to extend their heartfelt congratulations to Paul O’Dwyer on achieving his Rescue Diver qualification, and to the successful candidates from Cork Sub Aqua Club on their Coxswain qualifications.
A sincere thank you also goes to the instructors, examiners and everyone involved in organising and supporting the regional exam day in Oysterhaven. Their time, expertise and encouragement are an important part of helping candidates progress through their training.
Paul’s Rescue Diver qualification is a fantastic achievement and one that the whole club can be proud of. Well done, Paul and congratulations to all of the successful candidates on a great day of South Region exam success.

Images;
Blackwater SAC newly qualified rescue diver being congratulated by examiners on the day ; Derek Bolton, Don McCarthy, Paul O Dwyer (Blackwater SAC), and John Bennett. (Photo; Colm Doyle)

Blackwater Sub Aqua Club Dive Officer Susan Vaughan with successful club candidate Paul O Dwyer at the recent regional exam day in Oysterhaven. (Photo; Colm Doyle)

04/10/2026

Members of the Unit attended the Elevate Credit Union 5k Charity Run at Tramore Park Cork City. With some members participating in the event. Thanks to all who gave up their Sunday morning to man the display of equipment meeting folks and those who participated in the event. A great thanks to Elevate Credit Union for selecting us as one of the chosen charities

01/10/2026

Still time to register for the event. Supporting two very worthy causes.
All support is very much appreciated

28/09/2026

Lismore Fire Station Supports Blackwater Search and Recovery Unit

Members of the Blackwater Search and Recovery Unit were recently delighted to be invited to Lismore Fire Station, where they were warmly welcomed by members of the Lismore Fire Brigade and presented with two sets of Milwaukee stand lights, complete with batteries and chargers.
The donation is a hugely appreciated gesture and will prove to be a valuable addition to the equipment carried by the Blackwater Search and Recovery Unit. Good lighting is essential during search and recovery operations, particularly when working in difficult conditions, at night or in areas where visibility is limited. Having reliable, portable lighting available will help improve both the effectiveness and safety of the unit's members during future taskings.
The visit also provided a welcome opportunity for members of the Search and Recovery Unit and the Lismore Fire Brigade to meet in a more relaxed setting. While both organisations have crossed paths on numerous occasions over the years while attending emergency incidents and taskings, these encounters are generally in circumstances where everyone is focused on the job at hand.
The relationship between the two organisations is one built on mutual respect, cooperation and a shared commitment to helping others when they are most in need. The Blackwater Search and Recovery Unit has worked alongside members of the Lismore Fire Brigade on a number of occasions, with both teams bringing their own specialist skills and experience to incidents.
Earlier this year, members of the Search and Recovery Unit had particular reason to appreciate the support provided by the Lismore Fire Brigade during one such tasking. The assistance, cooperation and professionalism shown by each member of the brigade on that occasion was greatly valued by the Search and Recovery Unit, and it once again demonstrated the importance of emergency services working together as a team.
For the Blackwater Search and Recovery Unit, the donation of the Milwaukee lighting sets is therefore about much more than receiving two pieces of equipment. It is a generous gesture from colleagues who understand the demands of search and rescue work and the importance of having the right equipment available when it is needed.
The lights will be put to good use on future operations and will provide an additional level of safety for members of the unit as they carry out their work. In search and recovery operations, where teams can be required to work in challenging environments and sometimes for extended periods, dependable equipment can make a significant difference.
Members of the Blackwater Search and Recovery Unit would like to sincerely thank the officers and members of Lismore Fire Station for their generosity and for taking the time to welcome the unit to the station. The opportunity to meet the brigade members away from an emergency response was greatly appreciated, as was the chance to strengthen the already excellent working relationship between the two organisations.
The unit would also like to acknowledge and thank the members of Lismore Fire Brigade for the work they carry out on behalf of the community. The commitment, time and professionalism of volunteer and emergency-service personnel often go unseen, with their work taking them into difficult and demanding situations to assist others.
The Blackwater Search and Recovery Unit is extremely grateful for the support shown by Lismore Fire Station and looks forward to continuing to work alongside the brigade whenever the need arises.
From all the members of the Blackwater Search and Recovery Unit, thank you to Lismore Fire Station and all its members for your generosity, your support and, most importantly, for the work you do to keep our communities safe.
We wish every member of Lismore Fire Brigade continued safety in their work and hope the strong relationship between the two organisations will continue for many years to come.

Reminder: Join Us for the Elevate Credit Union Charity 5K
A reminder that the Elevate Credit Union Charity 5K takes place this Sunday, October 4th at 11am in Tramore Valley Park, Cork, with Blackwater Sub Aqua Club one of this year’s chosen beneficiaries alongside Down Syndrome Cork (Field of Dreams).
The 5K is open to everyone, whether you want to run, walk, jog or simply come along and support the event. The smooth, chip-timed course is suitable for all abilities, and families are very welcome, with the route suitable for buggies.
All proceeds from entry fees and donations will go directly towards supporting the two beneficiary organisations.
Blackwater Sub Aqua Club would like to encourage our members, families, friends and supporters to come along and take part. Your participation and support will help make a real difference and will help the club continue its work within the community.
So, get your family and friends together, lace up and join us at Tramore Valley Park this Sunday. We look forward to seeing plenty of Blackwater Sub Aqua Club members and supporters there!

A heartfelt Thank you
A heartfelt Thank You to each and every one of you who supported us in the recent church gate collections in Fermoy. Your support, generosity and kind works were very much appreciated.
Again, we thank you all so much, we as a club are extremely grateful for the continued support shown to us.

Image;
Members of the Blackwater SAR unit who recently visited Lismore Fire Station, L-R
D/M Myle’s Nixon, S.S.O. Edd Pollard, F/F. Marius Falcaru, S.S.O. Wayne Oakham, F/F Paul Whelan, F/F Gretta Krizsany,
Station Officer Dave Ind, Louise Feeney (Blackwater SAR), Gearoid O Looney (Blackwater SAR), Paul O Dwyer (Blackwater SAR), F/F Dave Kenny, F/F Jack Beecher, F/F Brian Lenihan, F.F Drue Dickinson and Ken Barry (Blackwater SAR)

27/09/2026

26/09/2026

Credit Union