Field trip anyone?

[RobW]

There are a few pics of Shermans in this, note I don't read the rest of the paper!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... ssing.html

[jackalope]

Screw the tanks I'd want some of those gold bars!

[RobW]

True, but I suspect the Receiver would be more likely to let you keep the tank!

[jackalope]

IDK maritime salvage laws are wierd.

[RobW]

Especially over here - many of the foreshore ones are ancient rights granted by the King/Queen.

[jackalope]

Especially over here - many of the foreshore ones are ancient rights granted by the King/Queen.

But that would depend on where the wrecks are, international waters?

[wibblywobbly]

I think I am right in saying that all war wrecks are officially war graves and that random diving isn't allowed, a special permit has to be granted, with rules on what you are allowed to remove or disturb. It does make me wonder why the governments who know where the wrecks are, and with the resources of entire Navy's at their disposal, don't bother to retrieve millions of pounds worth of gold?

[RobW]

Not strictly true. Warships tend to be a protected. However the cargo vessels rarely have the same protection and in many cases those in shallow water had their crews rescued. There are also a lot of ships down there from pre-radar times following unplanned contact with rocks.
I don't agree with removing items, unless for study & preservation (Google "The Swan" at Duart, Sound of Mull; that one is protected due to it's age and historic importance) but also don't agree with closing wrecks off, unless we're willing to do the same for all battlefields etc on land.

As for recovering a few million in gold. By the time you factor in surface support etc it's probably not worth it - otherwise the commercial teams would be buying the wrecks and going hunting. Note, it may not be there either. It's cheaper to let the amateurs loose then use the Receiver of Wrecks to recover the items for a small fee.