Minimum number of divers: 4
Type of vessel - Amphibious tanks
How sunk - Sank in practice for D-day landings (exercise Smash)
Former names - None
Wreck height - 2m
Max Depth - 15m
Tonnage - 16 tonne
Length - 17 ft 9 in
Date sunk - Apr 1943
These tanks sank whilst practising for the D Day landings in Normandy. In 1942 these experimental tanks were fitted with canvas screens which could be raised or lowered pneumatically to allow them to float in the sea. They were powered by a drive system that enabled the engines to turn large propellers mounted at the rear when the tanks were in the water (DD or Duplex Drive tanks, nicknamed "Donald Duck tanks"). Much of the experiments took place in Poole Bay but a few succumbed in rough conditions and sank. There are 7 tanks in Poole bay.
The 2 tanks we visit are 60m apart and situated in flat, silty terrain and there is plenty of sea life surrounding them including resident conger eels, crabs, lobsters and shrimp. There is normally a navigational line between the two tanks. This dive is suitable for all divers but care must be taken with buoyancy as the bottom is easily disturbed.
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