Holland number five sank off Beachy Head in 1912, the last of the WW1 prototype British submarines. The wreck has become protected, which means a ban on all recreational diving.

Heritage minister Andrew McIntosh announced that the wreck was to be protected under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. The wreck was discovered by divers in 2000, and has been kept completely intact.

"The Holland number five played a short but significant role in the evolution of the British submarine and the survival of this boat gives a unique opportunity to study the technology of the time including the possible prototype of the submarine periscope.
"The Holland number five is thought to be intact and in good condition.
"I am pleased that this order will preserve the wreck site allowing proper study of the vessel and preventing any vandalism by trophy hunters." McIntosh stated in his press release; demonstrating that while it may be a New Year, the same old attitude towards divers is still in evidence amongst politicians.

The Holland design was based on an American submarine, and preceded the A-class submarine. Five were built: Holland number one was salvaged in 1982 and is on display in the Gosport Submarine Museum, two, three and four have been lost. Holland number five was found by divers in 2000, who worked until April 2001 to positively identify the wreck.

Relevant links
British Submarines 1900 - 1918
U-12 submarine gets protected - wherever it may be
Kendall McDonald's guide to identifying wrecks


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