Missing Holland V Torpedo Hatch

This story was reported on the BBC South East News this evening (1st September) and is featured on the BBC web site.

Click HERE to view the web page.

I'm told (as I didn't see the broadcast) that the BBC used the photo from the Meridian Divers blog, I'll waive the BBC fee for their use of my photo in the interests of supporting our maritime heritage, and to help demonstrate that many divers have respect for wrecks & their history.

Torpedo Hatch Theft From Holland V Protected Wreck

As most of us are on the licence list to dive the Holland V protected wreck I have been asked by TWSAC's Jamie Smith, the wrecks licencee to post this.

Dear Jamie

The other Licensee for the Holland No 5 has reported to me that following a dive on the 9th August it was apparent the torpedo tube hatch at the bow of the Holland 5 is no longer on the wreck. It was definitely there in September 2008 as I have a photo of it on the site.

I am keen to try and find out as much as possible before deciding the action that should be taken. I was wondering if you have dived on the site at all since June or if you had heard anything locally about divers being on the site illegally?

Any help or information you can give would be greatly appreciated,

Best wishes
Alison Alison Hamer
Maritime Archaeologist.

Nobody who is on Jamies licence, as far as we are aware, have dived the wreck yet this year. If you know anybody who has or have any info regarding this theft please post a comment your comment will only be visible to the site moderator so will be treated in confidence. Please help us catch the idiots who are ruining the possibility of diving this piece of history for everyone else.

Tad

For information , here is the torpedo tube hatch from Holland I at Gosport Submarine Museum , anyone seen anything like this coming off a dive boat in the area??

[Dates in letter to Jamie corrected on the advice of Alison 27.8.10]

Advisory Committee On Historic Wreck Sites Annual Meeting

Today I found myself aboard HMS Belfast (above) attending the Annual meeting of the Committee On Historic Wreck Sites Annual Meeting for Licensees.
I was invited due to being involved in this years forthcoming Holland V dives of which Meridian Divers are included on on the Licence being held by Jamie from TWSAC.

The day consisted of various presentations ranging on the legislation for protected wrecks and updates on various projects around the country, there was also a question and answer session which at times became pretty heated which added to the fun.

The day was very interesting and was attended by many well known divers and Maritime Archeologists often seen on TV and Dive press. The venue HMS Belfast was very apt and added to the day plus they laid on a great lunchtime spread with other refreshments throughout the day.

Watch this space for the planned dates for Holland V dives which have to be reported on to the Advisory Committee .