107-Year Maritime Mystery Solved After WWI Russian Shipwreck Discovered In North Sea

A sonar survey of the MarramWind floating offshore wind farm in the North Sea has solved a 107-year-old maritime mystery.

The wreck of the SS Tobol, a Russian merchant vessel torpedoed by a German U-boat during World War I, was discovered during seabed surveys for the proposed 3GW wind farm.

The wreck was identified using data gathered by Fugro Galaxy, which is conducting geophysical and environmental surveys for the project.

The SS Tobol, earlier known as the SS Cheltenham, was built in Sunderland with a unique turret deck design. A British steamer company operated it before it was captured by Russian warships in 1904.

After serving in the Russian Imperial Navy, the vessel was renamed SS Tobol and delivered to the Russian Volunteer Fleet in 1916.

The ship was torpedoed by U-52 on September 11, 1917, while sailing from Blyth to Arkhangelsk. The shipwreck, measuring 100 meters in length, 22.5 meters in width, and 10.5 meters in height, was found to be in good condition.

A 250-meter exclusion zone has been created around the site to protect it during the MarramWind project surveys.

Authorities from Historic Environment Scotland and the UK Hydrographic Office have been informed of the discovery, and discussions are underway to establish a long-term archaeological exclusion zone to preserve the wreck.

MarramWind, developed by ScottishPower and Shell, spans 6,000 kilometers and is intended to provide renewable electricity for over 3.5 million homes.

According to MarramWind sources, the discovery is remarkable, especially because the exact location of the SS Tobol has been unknown since its sinking.

The wreck may also be the ultimate resting place for its crew members, bringing closure to their families.

Plans for further archaeological protection of the wreck are being discussed.

Reference: MarramWind

107-Year Maritime Mystery Solved After WWI Russian Shipwreck Discovered In North Sea appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News