News
Diver lays wreath on wreck of torpedoed WWI cruiser
A scuba diver from the Westcountry laid a wreath and raised the Union flag on the wreck of a First World War ship which sank a century ago with the loss of 250 crewmen.
Mike Rowley, 68, a retired engineer from Dartmouth, was one of team of ten BSAC divers who took part in a commemorative dive on the wreck of HMS Pathfinder – the first ever ship to be sunk by a submarine-launched torpedo.
The cruiser was steaming off the east coast of Scotland, near St Abbs Head, on September 5, 1914, when she was hit be the locomotive torpedo from German U-boat 21.
Mr Rowley, a national diving instructor and head of BSAC’s national diving committee technical group, laid the wreath on the wreck, which lies 68m (223ft) below the surface, and also raised the Union flag above her.
“We had a simple service later on board the dive boat. with a very moving eulogy to those that lost their lives in the disaster.”
Joining the dive were family members of some of the men who lost their lives, including grandfather-of-eight, Malcolm Stern, 85, of Rickmansworth, whose Uncle William was killed aged 22 and is thought to have been the first Jewish sailor to die in the Great War.
Also present was Paul Ratcliff, 74, of Canterbury, whose Uncle Bill was just 19 when he died.
The underwater team had just 25 minutes on the wreck, which is still in good condition, and although much of the superstructure is missing, there are still guns visible as well as shell cases.
Mike added: “The wreck is in remarkably good condition. It is pretty much intact from the bridge to the stern although the bow is missing. We managed to secure some fabulous video footage of the wreck which was one of our aims.
“The weather couldn’t have been kinder and the sea was flat calm. Visibility was good taking into account the depths at which we were diving.
“It was a wonderful dive to be involved in and listening to people who lost family members on the Pathfinder when she sank really drives it home what a terrible human tragedy this was.”
The Cammell Laird Birkenhead-built HMS Pathfinder was struck by a single torpedo fired from U-21 as it patrolled the Scottish coast south of the Isle of May.
The flash ignited the ship’s magazine, destroying the fore section of the craft and causing the foremast and number one funnel to collapse.
The majority of crew below decks had neither the time nor opportunity to escape and went down with the ship.
Launched on 16th July 1904, HMS Pathfinder was the lead ship of the Pathfinder class of cruisers.
Armed with nine four-inch guns, she initially saw service with the Atlantic and channel fleet while at the start of the First World War she was part of the 8th destroyer flotilla based at Rosyth in the Firth of Forth.
Source: www.westernmorningnews.co.uk
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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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