News
Iona II Dive Trail shortlisted in the AHI 2015 Discover Heritage Awards
The Iona II Dive Trail off Lundy Island in the UK’s Bristol Channel has been shortlisted in the Association for Heritage Interpretation (AHI) 2015 Discover Heritage Awards in the Interpretation for a Target Audience category. The shortlist nomination adds to the growing recognition of Historic England’s underwater diver trails for protected historic wreck sites.
Launched last summer, the Iona II Dive Trail was created by Historic England and Wessex Archaeology with the local diving community to encourage responsible licensed access to the only protected 19th century paddle steamer lying in British waters.
The Iona II has a colourful history as it was believed to have been involved in running guns and supplies for the Confederate Forces of the American Civil War. She sank in 1864 in foggy conditions in the Bristol Channel on her first trans-Atlantic voyage amidst rumours about her cargo.
Divers on the trail are given underwater guides to help them navigate the wreck and recognise key features such as the remains of the ferry’s engines, boilers and components of the paddle wheels which are still visible on the seabed. Divers can also actively help in the preservation of the wreck by sharing their images and video footage allowing changes to the wreck site to be carefully monitored over time.
Alison James, Maritime Archaeologist for Historic England said: “The Iona II is the newest of five underwater dive trails we have successfully launched since 2009 and is proving popular. This exciting nomination adds to the growing awareness of Historic England’s diver tourist trails. UNESCO has already recognised the trails as international examples of best practice for public access.”
The four other underwater trails run by Historic England with partners are: HMS/mA1 Submarine, the first British-designed and built submarine used by the Royal Navy which sank in 1911 in the Solent; HMS Colossus, a 74-gun warship built in 1787 which sank off the Isles of Scilly in 1798; the Coronation built in 1685 and lost off the coast of Plymouth in 1691; and the Norman’s Bay Wreck, possibly a Dutch ship which sank during the Battle of Beachy Head in 1690 near Bexhill-on-Sea in Sussex.
AHI received a record number 49 entries to the re-launch year of its prestigious awards, now being held biennially. AHI Discover Heritage Awards are the only UK and Irish awards to recognise all types of heritage interpretation. Projects of all shapes, sizes and budgets were entered from England, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The quality of interpretation was consistently high, which reflects the strength of heritage interpretation across the UK and Ireland. Shortlisted and commended sites were chosen by a team of interpretation experts from around the UK and Ireland.
The winners will be announced by AHI patron Loyd Grossman at the gala awards ceremony, held at the AHI conference on 21 October 2015 at the Hilton Central Hotel, Newbury.
Bill Bevan, AHI Vice-Chair said: “The number and quality of entrants into the AHI 2015 Discover Heritage Awards made short-listing an exceptionally tough process. The shortlist represents some of the best recent heritage interpretation projects in Britain and Ireland. We are delighted that the shortlist ranges from small to large projects. It is an international badge of excellence whether a site wins, or is shortlisted or commended in one of the categories.”
The AHI Discover Heritage Awards are the only UK and Irish awards to recognise excellence in all types and sizes of heritage interpretation whether held in museums, historic buildings, visitor centres or any type of outdoor location. Any form of media is suitable including exhibition, print, digital, art or live. An eligible project can be small or large. Whether it is a new leaflet or a million-pound visitor centre (or anything in between), the awards celebrate projects that best meet their interpretive aims and successfully communicate their key messages to their audiences.
For a full list of shortlisted and commended entries, click here.
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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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