A STRANGE, BUT SERIOUS REQUEST

By John Elt (June 2006)

 

 

I was asked by Tim Hunt if could go and look at a large water tank at factory site in St Neots.The tank measuring 5x5x4 meters also stood about 20 feet off the ground.The company ( Trenton Box ) needed an internal examination, with photographs. so an appointment was made to meet someone on site to see what the job entailed.

I was greeted on site by a very nice chap called Kevin Sherman,he escorted me to " The Tank ".it was big, black, and very large,(well it was from where I was standing).My first thoughts were,how do we get a Diver,and his equipment up to the top of the tank,there was a very rusty looking ladder bolted to the side of the tank, not up there I thought,Straight away I was assured by Kevin that he could get us to the top by a Fork lift truck complete with small cage.

A forklift truck was high jacked to take us to the top of the tank,on reaching the top my eyes gazed upon a small opening about the size of a large dinner plate.Thought number two struck me,how do we get a Diver,and his equipment through such a small hole,and who would be silly enough to tackle this tricky problem.After about two seconds of deep thought one name came to me straight away,only one man could be mad enough to tackle this job, Kevin Wileman.

Kevin and my self arrived on site on a Monday evening,once Kevin had inspected the tank from the outside,he knew just how to tackle this job.Scuba equipment ready, we were raised to the top of the tank.We attached a rope the scuba equipment and lowered it in through the hole,once in side the tank the B.C.D was inflated so it floated,next Kevin squeezed his delicate torso in through the hole.With Diver and equipment in the tank,it was possible to join diver and equipment together.

With diver and equipment together,Kevin disappeared in to the dark depth's of the tank.As dive cover I could just make out his torch light shining through the murky water,and the occasional flash of the camera,after about 20 minutes, Kevin appeared through the gloom,job done.Another satisfied customer,we hope.

 

From John Elt And Kevin Wileman