DATELINE: 12th November 2001
WRECK BAN ANNOUNCED
The long awaited results of consultation on war graves was announced in Parliament on Friday 9 November by Dr Moonie.
Sixteen war graves have been designated Controlled Sites - divers can only visit these after applying for a specific licence. A further five which lie in international waters have been designated Protected Places, where a 'look but don't touch' policy applies.
Controlled Sites include the submarines A7 and Affray, and an as yet unspecified German submarine. HMS Royal Oak and Hampshire - both well loved dive sites in the Orkneys are now Controlled. HMS Repulse and Prince of Wales are among the Protected Places. A full list of wrecks, some of which are well beyond the limits of divers, is published here.
The MoD are now undertaking what they call 'a rolling review' and will make further designations as they see fit. The announcement is widely seen as a gesture to the survivors' associations. No method of enforcing the designations has been announced.
Comment
Innes McCartney located and identified the submarine HMS Affray which is one of the 16 wrecks on the Controlled list.
"In my opinion they haven't gone far enough. The list seems very inconsistent, I think most war graves should be protected. I know the relatives will be relieved.
"Some British wreck divers have been so badly behaved that they have brought this upon themselves. My primary interest is to dive naval wrecks, but many of these war graves should simply be left alone."
Stewart McDermott lost his great uncle on HMS Exmouth which is now a Controlled site. He led an archaeological expedition to locate and identify the wreck earlier this year.
"I welcome HMS Exmouth's recognition as an official war grave. However I am concerned that the measures may affect my own plans to commemorate this ship and her crew. In years to come they may prevent others from sharing her story and keeping the memories of the braves souls lost on her alive.
"I trust that the MOD will implement an intelligent process for granting access to the vessels named, including HMS Exmouth, and work with both divers and relatives of those lost in action on these ships. Through Wreck Respect, the diving community has proved that it is willing to police itself. I think the MOD should reward the faith of diving organisations in the UK and acknowledge the valuable role divers play in locating, identifying and preserving our naval heritage."