Channel 4?s iTime Team/i visited the Islands to make an ?observational documentary? on the Colossus ship wreck which was recently rediscovered and the work carried out by the Archaeological Diving Unit of St Andrew’s University.
A team came down to the Islands between 8-16 September. Tony Robinson, presenter of Time Team and of Blackadder fame, along with Phil Harding and Katie Hirst, visited the Islands for the last three days of the dive.
“Most of the work was recording what was down there,” says George Pagliero, a member of the Time Team. “(It was) mostly timbers, some small finds (pulleys, rope, pistol butts and triggers, shot etc), a row of cannons and a fantastic carved figure.”
Mr Pagliero goes on to say: “The film is actually from the 2003 documentary budget and so is unlikely to run next year. There is room for a follow up next summer if the ADU decide to return. Channel 4 might decide to run the programme early but it won’t be ready until the autumn at the earliest.
“Viewers will learn the history of the ship, Battle of the Nile, Lord Nelson, Lord Hamilton & Emma, the Second Collection of Greek Vases, the fateful journey home… There will also likely be some mention of the work done in the 70s by local diver Roland Morris. The modern story is of the ADU but with input from local divers and salvors. They will learn some of the techniques (and difficulties) of underwater archaeology.
He adds: “The site was then covered and sandbagged to protect it from winter storms.”
“subinfo”The diving boat ‘Scavenger? of Bryher was intrumental in excavations./span