Looters target wreckage of German U-boat off Cork

TROPHY hunters have targeted the recently discovered German U-boat that sank off Roche’s Point in Cork during the First World War.

The Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating several incidents in which clothes and other personal items belonging to its 27-strong crew were looted from the 49-metre, 400-tonne German vessel UC-42. It sank during a mine-laying operation in 1917. The hull appears to have been damaged by rogue divers attempting to remove a propeller.

The underwater archaeology unit of the Department of Arts and Heritage has received reports of damage to and removal of pieces of the wreck and other objects from the site.

According to underwater archaeologist Connie Kelleher, the wreck is particularly sensitive as it contains the remains of seamen who perished when the boat sank.

“The site, first and foremost, is a war grave, with up to 27 individuals having drowned when it sank in September 1917.

“To date, we have received reports of the structure being recently damaged by divers attempting to remove parts of it, of items that belonged to the crew being taken off the site and that one of the propellers was being made ready to be recovered, as evidenced by recent work to it.

“The site has a particular sensitivity due to it being a relatively recent German naval loss with crew who are known by name, many of who are likely to have close living relatives. The German Embassy has indicated its legitimate interest in its protection, preservation and non-disturbance.”

Ms Kelleher appealed to the Irish Underwater Council, the main representative body of diving clubs in Ireland, to notify the authorities of any illegal activity its members may witness in relation to the wreck, which was discovered late last year.

“The UC-42 is of significance, being part of both Ireland’s and Germany’s maritime history,” said Ms Kelleher. “While its locating by local divers last year was received with enthusiasm and due respect by the divers involved, others now appear to be targeting the wreck for personal gain.”

A spokeswoman for the IUC said interference with the wreck or removal of objects contravened its code of conduct for divers and that none of its members were involved in the looting.

She added: “We have a saying: ‘take only memories... leave only bubbles’.”

A team of five amateur divers discovered the wreckage on November 6. It was found in good condition in 27m of water just off Roche’s Point, at the entrance to Cork Harbour.

One of the divers who made the find, Ian Kelleher, urged divers visiting it to respect the site as a grave. He and his team laid a plaque beside the craft in memory of those who died.