News
Ceremony commemorates centenary of historic sinking of HMT Arfon
Just over a century ago (April 30th, 1917) a rare steam fishing trawler – HMT Arfon – fitted out as a mine sweeper for the Royal Navy during the First World War, rapidly sank off the Dorset coast after striking a mine with the loss of 10 of the crew of 13.
100 years later to the day, a commemoration ceremony took place at St Aldhems Head, Swanage to mark the anniversary of the sinking. The original plan was for the descendants to visit the site of HMT Arfon by boat and lay wreaths to mark the occasion. Unfortunately the wind was too strong to allow this.
20 descendants plus Martin and Bryan Jones, Andrew Bailey and Garry Momber visited St Aldhems Head. Despite the windy conditions the ceremony took place, the poem ‘For the fallen’ was read, followed by a prayer by Janette Humberstone, a descendant of Edward Youngs, the Second Hand. The names of all the crew were read out followed by the blowing of the steam whistle using Morse Code for mine. The original steam whistle, beautifully restored was sounded for the first time since the sinking of HMT Arfon in 1917.
The whole group then assembled at the eastern side of St. Aldhems Head NCI station for the unveiling of an information board sponsored by Historic England. The unveiling was performed by Garry Momber, Director of the Maritime Archaeology Trust.
Martin was most surprised and delighted by how many people were able to attend the ceremony and said “it was a real pleasure to meet John Abrams (IV) who was the great grandson of the Skipper, John Abrams of HMT Arfon.”
After the ceremony the group spent the rest of the day at The Pines Hotel in Swanage where Garry Momber was able to show everyone the 3D tour released that day. Martin brought along a number of artefacts for the descendants to see. At a later date, the intention is that all the artefacts will be on display in museums.
The wreck was a rare find by Martin & Bryan Jones of Swanage Boat Charters whilst taking divers out on another wreck in 2013. Bryan was the first person to dive the wreck in 2014. Bryan, with the help of Dave Wendes a local maritime historian, proved the wreck to be HMT Arfon. The wreck is exceptionally well preserved with the trawler’s key features such as its mine-sweeping gear, deck gun, portholes and engine room still intact on the sea bed.
The Maritime Archaeology Trust has taken more than 10,000 images as part of their Heritage Lottery Funded Forgotten Wrecks Project. The images have been used to produce a 3D tour of the Arfon as she lies on the seabed today using a process called photogrammetry. This enables non-divers to view the wreck via the internet. As the wreck is now protected, diving can only be undertaken under special licence granted by Historic England.
Martin added “We would like to thank Historic England and the Maritime Archaeology Trust for the enormous amount of work that they have contributed to this project and we hope the Arfon will be left in its pristine condition and respected for its rarity and historical value for many years to come.”
Virtual Dive: Click here to view the 3D tour of the wreck of the HMT Arfon
More information about the Maritime Archaeology Trust can be found at http://maritimearchaeologytrust.org
More information about the Heritage Lottery Fund Forgotten Wrecks of the First World War project (2014-2018) can be found at http://forgottenwreck.org
Thanks also to Martin, Bryan and Patricia Jones at Swanage Boat Charters, www.kyarra.com
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Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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