Thieves plunder Eastbourne submarine wreck
THIEVES have plundered part of an important World War One submarine wreck on Eastbourne's seabed.
The torpedo tube hatch has been taken from the protected site of a Holland 5 submarine, six miles off Beachy Head.
English Heritage archaeology experts reported the theft to police on 26 August and it is thought it was taken within the past two years.
A spokeswoman for English Heritage said, "In June 2010 during a licensed dive by the Nautical Archaeology Society it became apparent that the torpedo tube hatch of the Holland 5, the only surviving example on the seabed of this class of submarine anywhere in the world and a designated wreck, was no longer attached to the submarine.
"A further survey dive on the August 9 confirmed it was no longer on the site.
"English Heritage reported the matter to Sussex police on August 26 and are working closely with them to bring offenders to account and to recover this nationally important asset.
"It had been impossible to visit the site in 2009 due to bad weather and the last positive sighting of the hatch was in September 2008.
"The submarine appears to have significant marine growth in the area the hatch was removed which might indicate the hatch was removed some time ago.
"Removing the hatch and accessing the site without a licence is illegal under the Protection of Wrecks Act, 1973."
English Heritage and Sussex Police have appealed to the diving community for help and anyone who can help should contact 0845 6070999 and quote serial number 1055 of 26 August.
Meridian Divers has also set up an online appeal and blog, visit http://meridiandivers.blogspot.com/2010/08/theft-from-holland-v-protected-wreck.html
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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