Fathoms Free, a group of volunteer divers dedicated to protecting marine life and the environment off the coasts of Cornwall and Devon, have launched a fundraising campaign to restore the iconic Stingray dive boat. In essence, it is a bare hull with floats. Fathoms Free has a vision to return the Stingray to its former glory to increase marine conservation capacity in the region and perpetuate the legacy of beloved Cornish captain Mark Milburn. The group focuses its work on removing abandoned, lost or discarded fishing nets, known as ALDFG or "ghost fishing gear", and other marine debris that poses a serious threat to marine life. Additionally, the ship lacks electronic equipment, navigation systems and safety equipment. This will also allow for expanding marine conservation activities and involving more community members. With a restored Stingray, the group will be able to remove more ghost gear and marine debris than ever before, as well as support other local marine organizations with a bigger, faster boat. These ghost nets continue to trap and kill animals indiscriminately, creating a deadly cycle that is only stopped by removing them from the environment. Unfortunately, Mark passed away before the work could be completed, and the boat was once again forgotten. In 2015, Mark Milburn purchased it with the intention of restoring it, although his multiple projects prevented the repairs from being completed. However, the company closed and the ship was abandoned. Years later, the boat was taken over by Starfish Divers and renamed Starfish. Despite these challenges, the Fathoms Free team estimate that they will be able to carry out the repairs themselves to reduce the project costs, which amount to a minimum of £10,000. An ambitious project
In order to raise additional funding, they have set a first target of £5,000, hoping to achieve matching funds that will allow them to reach the minimum needed to put the boat in the water. No matter how small, every donation brings us closer to our goal. During this time, Fathoms Free's current treasurer and most experienced captain, Julian, honed his skills as a captain, including participating in the sinking of the ship Scylla in 2004. However, the quote could increase to £15,000 or even £20,000 if the engine cannot be repaired and they need to purchase a new one, along with a suitable trailer. The history of the Stingray
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When the team discovered that the Stingray remained abandoned near Mark's old dive center, they did not hesitate to take the initiative to continue his legacy. Continuing the legacy of Mark Milburn
With the arrival of the pandemic, Mark resumed the project, starting by cleaning the boat and changing the name to Stingray, in honor of his first dive charter boat. Fathoms Free was, in fact, his last charter client before his death, sharing an entire day cleaning a sunken boat in the Falmouth estuary. A spokesperson for the group stated: