DIVERS have discovered the long-lost wreck of a Royal Navy warship which sank 118 years ago.
HMS Tiger disappeared in 1908, after she strayed into the path of the 10,000-ton HMS Berwick during a training exercise and was sliced in two.
Divers have discovered the long-lost wreckage of HMS Tiger Credit: SWNS
The warship sank over 100 years ago and has never been located – until today Credit: SWNS
Fewer than half of its 57 crew members survived the deadly collision, which took place just off the Isle of Wight.
For over a century, the exact coordinates of the wreckage have remained a mystery to divers – until today.
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Shipwreck historians from ProjectXplore have now discovered the remains of the sunken torpedo destroyer – just as new legislation comes into effect to protect wreckages.
Under the Armed Forces Bill, it will now be an offence to disturb or dislodge items from a wreck without permission.
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HMS Tiger sank off the Isle of Wight in 1908 during a military drill Credit: SWNS
The torpedo destroyer was split in two after a collision with another warship during a training exercise Credit: SWNS
Over half of the warship’s crew were killed in the collision Credit: SWNS
Divers at ProjectXplore have spent five years piecing together data from the archives to determine the warship’s exact coordinates Credit: SWNS
Divers will be permitted to visit the sites, under a ‘look but don’t touch’ policy.
Automatic legal protections will apply to thousands of graves belonging to sailors and marines.
Minister for the Armed Forces Louise Sandher-Jones MP said: “As well as protecting UK national security, Defence has a role to play in preserving our maritime heritage and the memory of those who gave their lives serving their country.”
She added that the new measures will give sailors who died at sea the “dignity and respect they deserve”.
New legal protections are coming into effect to ensure warships dating back as far as the Armada are protected Credit: SWNS
There will be legal repercussions for anyone who damages or moves an item from a wreckage Credit: SWNS
Divers will be permitted to observe wreckages under a ‘look but don’t touch’ policy Credit: SWNS
The new measures are an important step in preserving the UK’s maritime heritage Credit: SWNS
While dozens of military shipwrecks have been safeguarded from illegal activity since the mid-1980s, only vessels lost within the last 200 years can qualify for protection.
Expanding the Protection of Military Remains Act will ensure wreckages dating as far back as the Spanish Armada – including those of the former enemy – will be protected.
Employees at ProjectXplore – who spent years figuring out the location of HMS Tiger through intensive archival research – have welcomed the amendments.
Leo Fielding and Dan McMullen, co-organisers of ProjectXplore said: “It has been the privilege of a lifetime to research, discover and document the wreck of HMS Tiger.
“We sincerely hope that our work will ensure that HMS Tiger, her story and the memory of those connected with her endure for future generations.
“ProjectXplore welcomes the proposed amendments in the Armed Forces Bill.
“We believe they represent a constructive step forward in protecting the United Kingdom’s maritime heritage and ensuring that wreck sites of historical and archaeological significance are appropriately safeguarded.”
Royal Navy Deputy Fleet Wreck Officer Lieutenant Commander Jen Smith added: “Protecting military wrecks helps to ensure they are preserved for future generations.
“This is beneficial for our rich maritime heritage and the diving community who keep the stories of our lost shipwrecks alive.”
It follows the discovery of an even older vessel in June last year, off the coast of Plymouth.
SS Nantes sank in 1888 after colliding with a German sailing vessel, sinking approximately ten hours after the hit as desperate crew members plugged the holes with mattresses.
