DATELINE :- 11th October 2000
H5 PROTECTION
WWI sub could become deepest protected wreck
Welsh archaeologist Mike Bowyer has applied for historic wreck protection for the British WW1 submarine H5, sunk in 1918 off Anglesey.
Lying deep at 68m, the H5 would be the deepest wreck yet afforded protected status under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. The Government's Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites is reported to have had one of its longest-ever meetings recently to discuss the proposal.
In the past, 50m has been regarded as the maximum practical depth to which archaeological inspectors could regularly dive to inspect designated sites. But the case for protection of the H5 is strong, as the 46m Holland-designed vessel is in good condition and regarded as ripe for abuse by deep divers.
The committee has asked for a video record of the submarine's current condition, and Bowyer was hoping to organise, with submarine expert Innes McCartney, a deep dive to film it in late August or September.
A plan by Bowyer to apply for protection under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986, on grounds that the H5 is a war grave on which 27 men died, has been shelved. The sub was rammed by a British merchantman after being mistaken for a German U-boat.