A group of experienced divers recently made waves after discovering the wreckage of HMS Hawke, a British warship sunk during World War I by a German U-boat. This long-lost vessel, which went down on October 15, 1914, claimed the lives of over 500 sailors, making its finding particularly significant for maritime history.
The expedition took place off the coast of Scotland, approximately 70 miles east of Fraserburgh. The discovery has piqued the interest of historians and marine archaeologists alike, as the wreck is considered one of the last remaining reminders of the tragic naval conflicts of the Great War.
The HMS Hawke was part of the Royal Navy's 10th Cruiser Squadron and played a key role during the early days of World War I. Its sinking occurred when the ship was struck by a single torpedo fired from the U-boat SM U-9, resulting in chaos and the immediate sinking of the ship within eight minutes.
Upon review, it is noted historically how the warship’s swift demise left only 70 survivors from its crew of 524. The rapid efforts of nearby vessels, including the HMS Swift, led to the rescue of some crew members, but the tragedy of the event remains etched in naval history.
Leading the expedition were the divers from the group Lost in Waters Deep, who utilized extensive research methods to locate the vessel. According to diver Steve Mortimer, the team studied old naval logs and the diaries of U-boat commanders, including the logs which hinted at possible wreckage locations.
Interestingly enough, some obstructions reported by Scottish fishermen back in the 1980s were reviewed, but none were initially found. Later, divers discovered the HMS Hawke less than a mile away from these earlier navigation reports, reinforcing the significance of their exploration.
Mortimer expressed awe at the state of preservation of the wreck, describing it as “a really remarkable time capsule.” This state, he explains, is attributed to the cold waters of the North Sea and the lack of nutrients which prevent significant marine growth.
The divers reported finding many artifacts from the HMS Hawke, including Royal Navy crockery and various pieces of the ship’s structure. Notably, many portholes were found still open, indicating the crew may have been taken by surprise during the U-boat’s attack.
Launched in 1891, the HMS Hawke was 387 feet long and had been initially stationed to protect British shipping routes. Experts are now drawing connections between the site and the events leading up to its sinking, aiming to confirm the wreck’s identity with the Royal Navy’s historians.
Rescue efforts post-sinking were documented, including the rescue of crew members from life rafts spotted by the HMS Swift and later by Norwegian fishing boats. This tragedy adds to the collective memory of the sacrifices made during the naval engagements of World War I.
Images and artifacts recovered from the site illuminate the realities of warfare and the lives of those who served. Future projects for the team will include cataloging the finds and continuing their research to connect more pieces of the story.
With such exciting discoveries, officials from the Royal Navy are eager to formally confirm the findings and preserve this monument to naval history. They commend the dedicated efforts of the Lost in Waters Deep team, noting how such recoveries contribute to our greater awareness and appreciation of maritime narratives.
