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Wreck of HMS Tiger Discovered As Government Strengthens Historic Shipwreck Protection

Wreck of HMS Tiger Discovered As Government Strengthens Historic Shipwreck Protection

The wreck of a Royal Navy warship that was lost at sea 118 years ago has been discovered, as the UK Government announces new legislation to better protect military shipwrecks. The legislation – which is currently being considered by Parliament – will strengthen protections for shipwrecks via the Armed Forces Bill.

Both the Royal Navy and shipwreck hunters have been looking for HMS Tiger since the day the torpedo boat destroyer sank whilst on exercises with the Fleet in 1908.

Tiger strayed into the path of cruiser HMS Berwick during night manoeuvres. There was not time for either ship to take evasive actions and the 10,000-ton cruiser struck the 400-ton destroyer in the middle, slicing her in two.

The bow went down instantly, taking the captian and numerous crew with her. The smashed stern section stayed afloat for about three minutes before it too disappeared beneath the waves.

The tragedy made front page news, with King Edward VII sending a telegram of sympathy. Commemorative postcards were also produced remembering the crew.

Following the loss of the HMS Tiger, the wreck consistently avoided searchers. Yet, it was eventually discovered by ProjectXplore – a team of divers and historians who have discovered other wrecks including the HMS Nottingham – which was located in the North Sea last year.

Leading up to the discovery of the Tiger, the team had spent five years in the archives, piecing together all the relevant data to help pinpoint the wreck’s location.

Commenting on the discovery, 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 the 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.

Divers are still able to visit these sites and witness history first hand, which is key to ensuring that these ships and their crews are not forgotten.

All we ask of divers is this – enjoy looking, learning and paying your respects at these incredible sites, but do so in a manner that does not disturb them”.

Under the proposed Armed Forces Bill, potentially thousands of shipwrecks, such as HMS Tiger, will be safeguarded from the moment they are found by a ‘protected place’ designation.

This will make it an offense to disturb or remove items from military wreck sites without permission, whilst permitting divers to visit freely, as long as they apply the principle of ‘look but don’t touch’.

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For more maritime industry news, insights and developments, read the Brookes Bell News and Knowledge Hub…

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