News
Two wrecks spanning almost 300 years of history granted protection
The mystery wreck of two possible late 17th or early 18th century merchant ships containing 15 cast iron English cannons off Chesil Beach in Dorset and a First World War mine-laying U-boat off Whitby in North Yorkshire have been granted protection by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England.
The rare cannon-site wreck lies in two parts off Chesil Beach in Dorset and was discovered in 2010 by divers involved in the Weymouth-based Shipwreck Project, which promotes wreck research. There is an inshore site which lies just off the beach which comprises eight cast iron cannons identified as English 24-32 pounders cast between 1650 and 1725. The offshore site lies 220m south of these cannons and consists of seven cast iron English cannons, one of which is probably a six pounder, cast in the second half of the 17th century. The guns are not firmly dated because their features are heavily obscured by build-up of sediment.
A photo mosaic showing the inshore Chesil Beach cannon site with its eight cast iron cannons. (c) Historic England
The inshore site appears to be the wreck of a merchant ship and the fact that the guns are of different lengths suggests that they were cargo. The offshore site is believed to be the wreck of a wooden sailing ship but because the cannons are different to those found inshore, this suggests the sites could represent two separate wrecks. It is possible that the Chesil Beach cannon sites could be the Dutch West Indiaman ‘De Hoop’ which stranded at Chesil Cove in 1749 and British cargo vessel ‘Squirrel’ which stranded on Chesil Beach in 1750.
88mm deck gun from the First World War German UC-70 minelaying submarine. (c) Historic England
The First World War U-boat that has been granted protection is a German Imperial Navy UC-70 mine-laying submarine which was commissioned in 1916. The submarine conducted 10 patrols and sank 40 ships during the war before being bombed on 28 August 1918 with the loss of all its crew. The UC-70 is representative of the Type UC II class of submarines; the most successful submarine design in history. The submarine was discovered as part of Historic England’s recent work to research and survey First World War submarine losses within UK territorial waters around England.
UC-70 First World War minelaying submarine control room. (c) Historic England
John Glen, Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism, said: “It’s important that we protect these two sites that are part of our country’s seafaring and naval history. The shipwreck off Chesil Beach is a rare discovery and by protecting it we can encourage further study of the site. The listing of the U-boat wreck off Whitby is also particularly poignant, as we continue to mark the centenary of the First World War and remember the sacrifices of those who fought 100 years ago.”
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, said: “These wrecks are separated by 280 miles and almost 300 years but they both comprise important elements of our maritime heritage. The importance of the UC-70 lies in its historical interest and the vulnerability of its component parts as well as its sensitivity as a war grave. The Chesil Beach wreck site is also important but for different reasons – it’s rare to discover wooden ships of this age surviving on the seabed with so many cannons.”
Historic England is also investigating the new discovery of a shipwreck at Tankerton, near Whitstable in North Kent, which comprises the bottom timbers of an oak-built boat. The wreck was discovered by a group of local volunteers. Tree-ring dating is being undertaken to determine the age of the ship which is estimated to be between 1200AD -1800AD.
For more information, please visit www.HistoricEngland.org.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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