UK’s largest concentration of wrecked warships given new legal protections
The largest ruined warships on the British coast were announced to concentrate, new legal guards were given to protect the rest of the first World War Ships.
In June 1919, months after the end of the war, the German open sea fleet fled by his own crew while he was held by the royal navy. In total, 52 of 74 armored sank.
Many of the ships were then rescued and scrapped, but there are still more than 90 debris, including seven fleet and fishing boats, 18th century sailboat ships and other military ships at the sea floor.
The region is now popular among divers who have been able to discover most of the debris and save works, including navigation devices, ship bells and musical instruments.
The appointment of the New Historical Marine Protection Area (MPA), which was announced by the Scottish government on Monday, means that it would be a crime to remove anything from the debris.
In 1745, a second historic MPA was announced in the wreckage of the Queen of Sweden, a Swedish Eastern Indian company, a 147 -meter -long Eastern Indian company.
Gillian Martin, the Minister of Climate and Energy of Scotland, explaining the new guards, said, “The Queen of the Swedish Queen in Scapa Flow and Setland – the Queen of Sweden – the most important debris of the Swedish Queen in the seas of Scotland.
“Appointment of these sites recognizes their national values and will help future generations to discover, learn and continue to receive the underwater heritage of Scotland.
Elizabeth McCrone, Heritage Director in Historical Environment in Scotland, said: “Scapa Flow and the Queen of Sweden were determined as historical marine -protected areas.
“These sites are important parts of Scotland’s maritime history, and this recognition will enable them to be protected for future generations and to enjoy them responsibly.”
Scapa Flow served as the main naval base for the British home fleet during both world wars. The natural geography of the Gulf includes a port surrounded by a large and protective land with deep entrances required for large ships.
The Orkney Islands Council leader Heather Woodbridge said: “Wreck ships, including the German open sea fleet, are an important inheritance existence and attract visitors from all over the world that contribute to the economy of Orkney. Unfortunately, the status of the debris will deteriorate and these important remnants will not last forever.
“It is vital to officially recognize and protect these sites and maximize their long life. This historic MPA will protect this indispensable assets from future human damage or discomfort when allowing responsible access, research and training when appropriate.”
