Orkney Shipwrecks Uncovered Divers Reveal 1918 Naval Secrets

Posted on Dec 10, 2023 at 04:12 PM

A diving expedition off the Orkney coast has brought closure to a maritime mystery that has lingered for over a century. The team has successfully located the wreckage of a 1918 shipwreck, a poignant relic from the First World War that claimed thirteen lives.

During the war, the Orkney waters witnessed a tumultuous clash of naval forces, leading to the tragic sinking of vessels that have since been lost to time. Among them was HMS Negro, which, plagued by steering issues, collided with HMS Hoste in December 1916. The collision was fatal and irreversible, resulting in the sinking of both ships and the loss of 55 brave souls.

Another vessel, the SS Categorical, met a similar fate, having been rammed unintentionally by HMS Granville. Both ships succumbed to the harsh northern seas, leaving stories untold.

The discovery includes three wrecks, with two thankfully remaining unidentified, preserving the sanctity of the sailors' final resting place. The endeavour, led by an assembly of committed divers, sought to connect the dots of history, offering solace to the descendants of those who once navigated these treacherous waters.

Among the discoveries was the HMS Jason, identified in 1917 and documented after a meticulous assessment. Surveyor Kevin Heath from East Cheshire BSAC. , aboard the MV Clasina, noted the vessel's damage—a silent testament to the perils of war at sea.

The BSAC exploration team, led by Will Schwartz, expressed profound satisfaction at unveiling these historical artefacts and paying homage to those who perished. Lieutenant Commander Jen Smith aboard the Northwood shared the emotional gravity of the find, primarily upon sighting the bell of HMS Negro, a poignant reminder of its final, fateful moments.

The dive team, which included photographer Rick Ayrton, took advantage of the clear waters north of Scapa Flow to capture evocative images of the wrecks. Their work has not only shed light on the past but has also immortalised the courage and sacrifice of the seafarers.

Just days before Christmas in 1916, Hoste and Negro had departed from Scapa Flow for exercises, marking their final voyage. The SS Express, too, met its end in the line of duty, with its largely Orcadian crew binding it forever to the local legacy.

As these maritime guardians rest in the deep, the world above takes a moment to remember their stories, now resurfaced, as the diving team ensures their memory is preserved for generations to come.

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