Wreck of Torpedoed World War I Warship Found in Exceptional Condition
For over a century, the wreck of the British warship HMS Hawke lay submerged and forgotten on the seabed, encrusted with barnacles and seaweed. This warship met its fate on October 15, 1914, after being torpedoed by a German U-boat during World War I. Recent discoveries by specialist divers have brought this long-lost shipwreck back into the spotlight, revealing it in astonishingly well-preserved condition.
Discovery of the HMS Hawke
The team at Lost In Waters Deep, alongside Buchan Divers, has identified the wreck as the HMS Hawke, which sank off the coast of Scotland. The discovery was announced on Facebook, capturing widespread attention and intrigue. According to Will Schwarz, one of the divers, the ship is lying on its starboard side and remains remarkably intact. “The guns are still highly polished, almost as if they could be used,” Schwarz remarked in an interview with CNN. This level of preservation is exceptional for a ship submerged for over a century.
Historical Context and Tragic Loss
The HMS Hawke sank in just seven minutes after being struck by the torpedo. Historians believe the ship’s magazine, where ammunition was stored, exploded, contributing to the high casualty rate. Of the 524 sailors who lost their lives, many were young cadets, some as young as 14. The tragic loss underscores the historical significance of this find.
Search and Identification Process
Identifying the wreck’s location involved meticulous research. The team analyzed historical logbooks from the German U-boat that fired the torpedo and data from nearby ships that survived the attack. Using this information, they examined admiralty charts and conducted seabed scans in the area. Despite initial challenges, the team discovered a large, ship-shaped object on the seabed, leading them to the wreck.
