Well there was a window of diving opportunity so we jumped on it. We went out wide to Lost Fin Reef (20m) had to get back early because of wind coming. Got down to the bottom and it was like a late evening dive with torch. Only found 2 critters!! The white Aegires was a re-shoot and release. Then we heard a boat coming! The noise was very loud and pounding in my chest! Then we heard chain like an anchor being released. David asked me where the anchor was and said over there. I went to the reel and reeled back to the anchor only to find it not there. Found the spot where the anchor WAS. Followed that trail and saw in the distance a white tank....geeez how did David get there so quick?? Only to discover there was 2 tanks on the bottom ... OURS!! There was two towels and a hose on the bottom as well. I called David and he came only to see the carnage. We started our ascent. Upon reaching the surface I saw a Trawler very near by...and a boat (ours) half filled with water and a motor that was destroyed. The skipper entered the Gneering Shoals and saw 3 boats in the area on his radar. Thinking all was OK he put the boat into auto pilot and went back and did his laundry! The Trawler with stabilizer arms down proceeded to rake and turn over our boat with large dive flag fluttering in the wind. We surfaced asked "What the fuck?" the captain said...did you have you dive flag up?? Was your motor running?? Geeez 'what if ' crowds my bloody mind. The Coast Guard towed us back and the trawler followed back to the ramp. While David was getting dressed and I was watching the boat the skipper drove up and gave us back our items that where swept over board including the fucking DIVE FLAG! You would think that a skipper of a Mooloolaba Fishing Trawler would know is the boat was entering the Gneering Shoals he would have to be vigilant and watch out for boats. I guess he is exempt! David and I are OK but our boat is not. Be careful out there guys!
