Divers join Diamond Jubilee Pageant

Twelve divers from Leicester Underwater Exploration Club (LUEC), a branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC), took part.

They guided their 6.8m RIB Vixen from Battersea Bridge to Tower Bridge in wet, chilly conditions.

However, spirits were not dampened, said Adam Waters, LUEC Diving Officer, in the “carnival-like” atmosphere.

The crew had “an absolutely fantastic time” as they made their way down river, with all manner of craft to be seen “in every possibly direction”.

One crew member’s BSAC hat was lost “because it was being waved so frantically” at the “thousands and thousands” of spectators who were “cheering us through”.

The boat’s ensign staff was lowered as the divers passed the Queen aboard the Royal Barge Spirit of Chartwell, and they could reflect on “what an amazing and historic event we have been a part of”.

The club gained its place in the 3 June flotilla after Waters applied and was, along with his club companions, “overwhelmed” to be accepted.

His company Terry Waters French Polishing worked at Windsor Castle after the fire of 1992, restoring wood panelling in the Lantern Room and St George’s Chapel.

It went on to work at Prince Andrew’s Royal Lodge home in Windsor Great Park and at Buckingham Palace.

As well as Waters’ connections with the Royals, the BSAC enjoys having Prince Charles as its patron.

It was, said Mary Tetley, BSAC Chief Executive, “fitting that LUEC and BSAC have been a part of the flotilla”.

LUEC, a sizeable club with 70 members, is 53 years old.

In 2005 it won the BSAC’s Heinke Trophy, an annual award, for its achievements in furthering the interests of its members and of the BSAC in general.