| What is a wreck ? |
WRECKS! This directory was only started in August 2000 at the request of our readers. As such it will take some time to integrate the details we already hold and research more. In practice, there are tens of thousands of wrecks around the world and this directory may never be 'finished'. So if you can help by sending us your notes it will speed the process a lot! Thank you. |
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Remember to keep up to date with your Tetanus inoculations. Wrecks have some sharp edges. |
This description is true for the United Kingdom so it can be only be used as a general description elsewhere as laws may change between countries. A wreck is flotsam, jetsam, derelict and lagan found in or on the shores of
the sea or any tidal water. It includes a ship, aircraft or hovercraft, parts of
these, their cargo, or equipment. It may be antique or have archaeological value such
as gold coins, or a yacht or dingy abandoned at sea, or items such as drums of
chemicals or crates of foodstuffs. |
| Additional information for: |
Definitions:
| Flotsam | Goods lost from a ship which has sunk or otherwise perished
which are recoverable by reason of their remaining afloat. |
| Jetsam | Goods cast overboard in order to lighten a vessel which is in
danger of being sunk, not withstanding that afterwards it perishes. |
| Derelict | Property, whether vessel or cargo which has been abandoned
and deserted at sea by those who were in charge of it without any hope of
recovering it. |
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Lagan |
Goods cast overboard from a ship which afterwards perishes, buoyed so as to
render them recoverable. |
Remember that virtually everything has an owner, even when it has been 'lost at sea' for whatever reason. The original owner, their heirs, insurance companies or national authorities will own what you find. Whether you can legally keep anything you find, or if you must return/report it to national authorities depends on the country you are in. Always seek professional advice. Be a good ambassador.
| Additional information | |
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| Malta | Maltese law prohibits the removal of anything underwater. This includes everything - treasure, cutlery and even rocks! The local dive centres even have to apply for a permit to remove trash. |
| England |
If you discover a wreck notify the National Monument Record Centre on
01793-414-7000
For navigation safety the UK Hydrographic Office 01823-337-900 |
| Scotland | If you discover a wreck notify the National Monuments Record of Scotland on 0131-662-1456 |
| Wales | If you discover a wreck notify the National Monument Record of Wales on 01970-621-223 |
Click on the name for more details and some pictures:
| HMS Thesis. | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | |
| Rosie or Rozi | Malta | |
| Um El Faroud. | Malta | |
| Thistlegorm | Egypt |