News

UK Divers prosecuted for keeping wreck salvage

Published

11 years ago

May 22, 2014

Two divers have appeared in a UK court after failing to declare £250,000-worth of historic treasure they plundered from shipwrecks.

Edward Huzzey, 55, and David Knight, 52, dived seven miles off the coast of Dover, Kent, to salvage the valuables from nine submerged vessels, some dating back more than 200 years.

The pair used explosives and professional cutting equipment to free material from one vessel carrying East India Company cargo in 1807.

Over the course of 13 years, they also raided German ‘U-8’, ‘UC-64’ and ‘UB-40’ submarines from the First World War.

But they failed to inform the Maritime and Coastal Agency’s (MCA) Receiver of Wrecks about any of their finds.

Their haul contained eight bronze cannons, worth £12,000 each, three propellers, ingot, copper, lead and zinc.

Huzzey and Knight used a boat with a large crane on the back to retrieve the half-tonne cannons, six of which are still missing.

The unique ingots were marked ‘William Harvey & Co – Truro’ on a vessel called the Harlingen which they found in July 2001.

The pair, who detailed their use of explosives and cutting gear in diaries found by investigators, pleaded guilty to 19 charges at Southampton Magistrates’ Court.

They now face large fines with maximum penalties of £2,500 for each undeclared find or the risk they must pay the rightful the owners twice the value of the items recovered.

Wreck material found in UK waters must be reported to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Receiver of Wreck within 28 days in order to give the rightful owners a chance to claim it.

If no-one claims the goods within a year, they become the property of the Crown and the person who has found them receives a salvage award based on the value of the find.

This is the first time the MCA have brought a case to court for divers failing to declare their haul, breaking section 236 and 237 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.

Knight pleaded guilty ten of his 18 charges while Huzzey admitted nine of his 12 charges.

District judge Anthony Calloway said: “Because you have admitted the charges it will stand you in good stead, Mr Huzzey and Mr Knight.”

Huzzey refused to comment and just said: “I would just like to thank the court.”

Speaking afterwards, Alison Kentuck, the MCA’s Receiver of Wreck, said: “All wreck material found within or brought within UK territorial waters must be reported to the Receiver of Wreck.

“It is not a case of ‘finders keepers’. Finders of wreck have 28 days to declare their finds to the Receiver.

“This case highlights the importance of doing that and demonstrates what could happen to you if you don’t.

“By reporting wreck material you are giving the rightful owner the opportunity to have their property returned and you may be adding important information to the historic record.

“Legitimate finders are likely to be entitled to a salvage award, but those who don’t declare items are breaking the law and could find themselves facing hefty fines.”

Mark Harrison, English Heritage’s National Policing and Crime Adviser, added: “We recognise that the majority of divers enjoy the historic marine environment and comply with the laws and regulations relating to wrecks and salvage.

“This case sends out a clear message that the small criminal minority will be identified and brought to justice.”

Mark Dunkley, English Heritage’s Maritime Designation Adviser, said: “The investigation has highlighted the need to tackle heritage crime, wherever it occurs, so that the remains of our past remain part of our future.”

The MCA also appealed to the public regarding the whereabouts of six bronze cannons that remain outstanding.

They were constructed in 1807 by W & G and have the English East India Company logo (VEIC) on them.

The pair, from Sandgate, Kent, will be sentenced at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on July 2.

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

News

The ‘Big Scuba Day Out’ – The Ultimate Day for Water Lovers!

Published

6 mins ago

April 29, 2025

Team Scubaverse

Get ready for an unforgettable day of adventure, exploration, and all things scuba and watersports! Oyster Diving’s Big Scuba Day Out is taking place on Sunday, 4th May 2025, at Mercers Park, near London —and best of all, entry is completely FREE!

Whether you’re a seasoned diver, a total beginner, or just looking for a fun day out by the water, this event has something for everyone — including lovely walks around the lake with your four-legged friends!

Come and experience the latest dive gear from some of the world’s leading brands, including Santi, Suex, Apeks, Aqualung, Garmin, GoPro and XDeep. Get hands-on with dive scooters, cutting-edge dive computers, and high-performance gear designed to take your underwater adventures to the next level.

Take part in fun dives with expert guides try out other exclusive demo kit. Whether you’re looking to refine your skills, try out new equipment, or simply enjoy the stunning underwater world of Mercers Park, this is the perfect opportunity.

A special raffle in aid of the Shark Trust will include prizes such as PADI branded goodies, Apeks 30m reel and wet notes, and Shearwater Peregrine TX worth £689!

As a special highlight for those wanting to “live the dream”, Course Director Mark Taylor and PADI Regional Manager Emma Samuelsson will be giving an exclusive talk at 12:00 PM about how to become a PADI Pro, including Divemaster and Instructor pathways. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion for diving into a career, this is the perfect chance to get insider knowledge from one of the best in the industry.

Not just for divers, the Big Scuba Day Out also offers a variety of watersports courtesy of www.aquasports.co.uk. Try your hand at kayaking, paddleboarding, or other exciting water activities.

After all the action, relax on the beautiful lake terrace, where you can enjoy a selection of delicious food and licensed bar while soaking in the breathtaking views.

Don’t miss this incredible day of diving, watersports, and fun for the whole family. For full details and to register your interest, visit Oyster Diving’s website. https://oysterdiving.com/diving-club/uk-diving-trips/the-big-scuba-day-out-4th-may/.

News

Experience a night Dive at the West Rock Shipwreck with Euro-Divers

Published

16 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Team Scubaverse

There’s something magical about night diving— the ocean transforms into a whole new world, alive with mystery and wonder. At Euro-Divers Meeru, we love sharing this unique experience with our guests, and the West Rock Shipwreck is one of our favourite sites for night diving.

Here’s why:

Setting the Scene

The adventure begins at 17:30 as divers gather on the boat. After thoroughly checking our equipment, the boat departs for the dive site. The 15-minute journey is a treat, with the calm sea and the soft glow of the setting sun creating the perfect atmosphere.

Arriving at West Rock, the boat gently moors above the wreck. As our team briefs you on the dive, we will walk you through the special night diving techniques, such as using a torch and maintaining buddy contact, ensuring you feel confident and prepared. While we wait for the sun to set, there is time to relax with a cup of tea or coffee and take in the breathtaking colours of the Maldivian sunset.

shipwreck

The Dive Begins

Once darkness settles, it’s time to dive. The West Rock Shipwreck—a small cargo freighter sunk in 1999—rests at 20 meters on a sandy plateau. Over the years, it has become a vibrant reef, teeming with marine life.

As we descend, the beams of our torches cut through the dark water, revealing the wreck’s coral-covered surfaces. It is always thrilling to see the wreck come to life under the light. Colourful nudibranchs, scorpionfish, frogfish, and shrimps are just a few of the creatures that call this wreck home.

We often find parrotfish and pufferfish inside the wreck settled in for the night, while lionfish and moray eels lurk in the shadows. We frequently spot larger residents, too—Napoleon wrasse or even a resting nurse shark, peacefully tucked away beneath the ship’s hull. Every corner of the wreck offers something new to discover.

Underwater Galaxy

As the dive comes to an end, we have one final highlight to share. During the safety stop at 5 metres, we may ask you to switch off your torch and gently move your hands through the water. This action stirs up bioluminescent plankton, lighting up like tiny stars surrounding you— a magical, otherworldly experience that never fails to amaze.

Post-Dive Bliss

Emerging from the dive, we are welcomed by the cool night air and a canopy of stars. The boat crew helps us as we climb aboard, where hot tea or coffee awaits to warm us up. The journey back to shore is filled with shared stories and a sense of camaraderie that only diving together can create.

Night dives like this one at the West Rock Shipwreck offer more than just an exploration of marine life; they remind us of the beauty and mystery of the underwater world.

For more information, contact the Euro-Divers Meeru team at meeru@euro-divers.com or visit www.euro-divers.com.