De Lamlash is a former naval ship from 1973, converted into a fully equipped diving vessel. On board are sleeping places for 19 people, compressors, a diving lift, a sonar installation and even a dinghy with its own tap. Everything is focused on safe and efficient dives at sea.
Too expensive, too far, too uncertain
Yet this adventure is now threatening to strand ashore. The port of IJmuiden is becoming too expensive and finding an alternative berth is difficult. “I was looking in the port of Amsterdam, but before you get through the locks, you are two hours away. That costs us so much diving time, that’s a shame,” says Hole.
He is urgently looking for an affordable lying place, preferably in a seaport, with shore current and good facilities. “If we don’t find a suitable place, the Lamlash has to go into sale,” he says. “I have dreamed of owning such a ship all my life. And now that I have it, I can’t get rid of it anywhere. It’s really a drama.”
Diving expeditions with impact
The expeditions with the Lamlash also contribute to historical and maritime research. For example, the ship was involved in the discovery of the Texel Kotter TX26, which was in 1969. The search was recorded in a documentary by NH News.
Relatives responded. “When I saw the bow coming into the picture, I knew immediately: this is him,” said Bert Visser, who lost his brother Bouke at the disaster. His sharp eye for a ‘t’ on the wreck led to the identification. The documentary received a lot of praise. “No sensation, just the honest story,” said reporter Kelly Blok.
Call to seaports
Now Hoole makes a call to municipalities, port managers and private individuals: “Do you have a berth, a tip, or a good idea? Please contact us via the website of the club. We want to continue with our work and share our enthusiasm with others. ”
For the time being the Lamlash remains in IJmuiden, but the clock is ticking.