News
Wreck of SMS Grosser Kurfürst & memorial granted protection
The wreck of a pre-First World War German battleship, SMS Grosser Kurfürst, which sank off the Kent coast in 1878 and a Folkestone memorial which pays tribute to the 284 men who lost their lives, have been granted protection by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England.
The wreck has been scheduled and added to the National Heritage List for England. Scheduling means that recreational divers have permission to dive the wreck but its contents are given a level of protection. The associated war memorial at Cheriton Road Cemetery in Folkestone has been listed at Grade II.
In May 1878, while preparing for annual summer training sessions in the English Channel, SMS Grosser Kurfürst was accidently rammed by another German warship Konig Wilhelm while it was turning to avoid colliding with a pair of sailing ships. The Konig Wilhelm’s strengthened ram bow, designed to sink enemy ships ripped away armour plating and gouged a huge hole in the side of SMS Grosser Kurfürst. It sank rapidly with the loss of 284 men.
Many of the recovered bodies were interred in Cheriton Road Cemetery in Folkestone. The large memorial there is in honour of those who lost their lives on board the ship which has been protected today.
Heritage Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “The listing of the SMS Grosser Kurfürst and the memorial plaque is a fitting tribute to the 284 men who died when the ship sank more than 130 years ago. I hope that the increased protection for both sites will ensure that the ingenuity of the early ironclad ships and their influence on modern navy vessels is not forgotten.”
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England said: “This historic shipwreck tells the story of Germany’s increasing naval strength in the late-19th century at a time when Britain and Germany were on friendly terms. The SMS Grosser Kurfürst is important as the only non-Royal Naval warship recorded as wrecked in English waters for the period 1860 – 1913. The listing of the associated memorial in Folkestone with its German inscription is a poignant reminder of the loss of nearly 300 crewmen on board. It is right that we continue to remember them.”
Damian Collins, MP for Folkestone and Hythe said: “I was happy to support the application of the Memorial to the crew of the SMS Grosser Kurfürst for the National Heritage List for England, and am very pleased that it has been successful. The Memorial pays tribute to the hundreds of German sailors who lost their lives off the coast of Folkestone on 31 May 1878, but also to the heroism of the Folkstonians who were able to rescue around 300 seamen. Folkestone would go on to play an important role in the First World War, as a port of passage for many soldiers travelling to and from the trenches in France and Belgium, which I have worked to commemorate as Chairman of the Step Short charity. In that spirit, I believe the monument is an important reminder of Anglo-German friendship and solidarity in times of disaster, to be remembered as well as times of enmity.”
SMS Grosser Kurfürst was one of only three Preussen-class ironclad warships authorised under the naval programme of 1867, which had been approved by the Reichstag to strengthen the North German Federal Navy. This happened in the wake of the Second Schleswig War (February to October 1864) involving the weak then-Prussian Navy which had been unable to break the blockade imposed by the Danish Navy.
As an ‘ironclad’, the ship was built during an experimental period in naval warfare when they moved from wooden to armoured ships and which also saw the brief return of the ancient ram, used to cause damage to enemy ships, but ended with the dominance of armour-plated warships that had large calibre-heavy guns.
Originally designed to carry armaments, the Grosser Kurfürst was modified during construction to mount a pair of revolving twin-gun turrets. Divers surveying the Grosser Kurfürst have confirmed that it lies on the seabed upside-down, which is the way that it sank.
For more information about Historic England visit their website by clicking here.
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/.
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.
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.
Blogs2 months agoGO Diving Show 2025: The Monster Mark Evans Created (And Why the Industry Loves It)
- Marine Life & Conservation2 months ago
ARC marine Celebrates “Commended” Award at Underwater Photographer of the Year with reef cube image
- News2 months ago
Humpback Mother and Calf Win Underwater Photographer of the Year 2025
- News2 months ago
Go Diving Show 2025 Exhibitor Showcase
- News3 months ago
Book Review: Amazing Diving Stories by John Bantin
- News3 months ago
Filming 360 in The Bahamas
- Gear News2 months ago
Poseidon Diving Systems Announces New UK Distribution Model
- Gear Reviews2 months ago
Gear Review: Insta360 Ace Pro2 (Watch Video)
