Bareg Summer Update 2026

Based on our inspection of the U-1105 mooring buoy chain in late May, BAREG divers returned to the site on 5 JUL and attached two ½ inch jumper chains around sections of old chain that are worn and/or corroded. This temporary fix will see the buoy through this year’s dive season. We are discussing chain replacement in 2027 with MHT. Our thanks to the working divers and boat crew that supported this task, specifically Kevin M., Fred A., Yves d’U., and Steve B.

Short and long jumper chains. The short chain and new shackle were attached just below the buoy, and the longer chain was attached at 72 fsw and at a point in the buried in sediment at a depth about 1.5 feet below the river bottom.

Six BAREG divers traveled to Rhode Island for our group’s annual trip to the U-853. Conditions were good, with viz about 15 feet, moderate current, and water T in the low 50s. The weather topside was excellent: seas two feet, clear skies, wind five to ten knots, and air T in the upper 70s. Sunday morning’s conditions were perfect as we departed early and were back in the marina before the afternoon heat and wind increased. We dove from the F/V Priority Too, operating out of Point Judith, RI, and this is our sixth year diving with Captain Rick and Red’s Giant Stride Dive Shop.

In response to member demand, we have added a second U-853 trip to this year’s activities. Our second trip is the weekend of 25 & 26 JUL and there is one opening. AN/DP and wreck certifications, and experience in Northeast dive conditions are required by BAREG for diving U853. Thanks to Bill A. for leading both of these trips.

Archival photo of U-853 and an engine room photo looking aft, the latter taken by the Ops Coordinator on a previous dive.

BAREG divers Bill A., Brett S., Kevin M., Matt G., and Brian W. Photos by Ops Coordinator.

BAREG 2026 Activities

Past:
31 JAN & 1 FEB: U-1105 & Potomac Wrecks – canx due to WX
7 FEB: BAREG Symposium – Location TBD – canx due to WX
11 & 12 APR: U-1105 Buoy Ops – complete
25 MAY: U-1105 Mooring buoy chain close inspection & U-boat dives – complete
31 MAY: U-1105 & Potomac Wrecks – complete
5 JUL: U-1105 Mooring Buoy Chain Temporary Repairs – complete
3-5 JUL: Pax River & Chesapeake Bay Wreck Dives – resked to 18-20 SEP
11 & 12 JUL: U-853, Point Judith, RI – complete

Upcoming:
25 & 26 JUL: U-853, Point Judith, RI – one spot open
23 – 29 AUG: Scapa Flow, Orkney Islands, UK – full
12 & 13 SEP: U-1105 & Potomac Wrecks – open
18-20 SEP: Pax River & Chesapeake Bay Wreck Dives – open
14 NOV: Business Meeting
5 & 6 DEC: Buoy Ops

Scapa Flow

Our 2026 trip filled immediately when we announced it in 2025 and since then a number of members have asked when we’ll be going back to Scapa Flow. Given the long booking lead time, it would be helpful to know if there’s member interest in a return to Scapa Flow in either 2027 or 2028. If so, let us know and we’ll see if we have a quorum that would support planning a trip.

Patuxent River & Chesapeake Bay Dives

We had to reschedule these dives from July to September due to the attention the U-1105 mooring buoy chain required. We will explore wrecks in the lower Patuxent River, and weather and time permitting, wrecks in the middle of Chesapeake Bay. Our objective is to collect information on the wrecks and provide notes and photos/video (if any) to the Maryland Historical Trust. This may include a dive on the S-49, a challenging wreck to dive given its location in the Patuxent River. The site is known for its strong current and visibility far worse than what we find in the Potomac. The dive boat will be operating out of a marina in Solomons Island. These dives are open to AN/DP and wreck certified divers.

Hope you all are getting in lots of diving this summer.

Fred Engle
Ops Coordinator
BAREG