German submarine propeller from First World War recovered off Cork coast
The Will Island Going On Display Propeller Submarine Museum German In Examination The Spike Undergo Before
Divers have recovered a propeller from close to the wreck of a First World War minelaying German submarine, which sank close to the mouth of Cork Harbour over a century ago.
The dive and recovery operation, which was months in the planning and which culminated in a dive on Monday, was a collaborative project involving members of the Blackwater Sub-Aqua Club and Mizen Archaeology.
It was supported by the National Monuments Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the National Museum of Ireland and the Federal Republic of Germany through its Irish embassy.
During the First World War, German forces organised a deadly submarine offensive in a bid to obstruct British supply routes — which included regular mining of the entrance to Cork Harbour — requiring frequent sweeping operations by the British Navy.
German submarine UC-42 was involved in a minelaying patrol off Roche’s Point on September 10, 1917, when a mine it was carrying exploded prematurely and the vessel was lost. All 27 crew on board were killed.
However, it was several weeks before an oil slick over the sunken vessel alerted the British Navy, which sent ships to the area to drop depth charges before divers were deployed to investigate.
They found the wreck of the submarine on the seabed, with its forward mine shoot empty and the stern completely destroyed, indicating that one of the mines it had been carrying had detonated prematurely.
The vessel’s periscope and documents, including its control room logbook, were recovered as evidence.
The exact location of the submarine remained unknown over the years, but it was identified in 2010 during seabed mapping for a pipeline project. It has since become a popular dive site.
Due to the fact that the wreck site is over 100-years-old, it is automatically protected under the National Monuments Acts 1987-2014 and a licence is required to dive in it.
While inspecting the submarine last year, Blackwater Sub-Aqua Club's Timmy Carey, discovered a previously unidentified propeller lying close to the wreck.
“It was lying on the seabed, detached, and knowing that it was vulnerable to potential damage from trawling, anchoring or salvage, I knew I had to put a plan in place to safeguard the object,” he said.
He spent much of last year liaising with the National Monuments Service, the National Museum, and the German embassy to ensure that all of the correct procedures, including all requisite licences, were in place to recover the object.
Over several months, a team of six divers — including underwater archaeologists — carefully assessed, recorded, and excavated the propeller in preparation for recovery, before Monday's dive operation led to the raising of the propellor onto the MV Harpy dive boat from Kinsale, skippered by Carroll O'Donoghue, and it was brought ashore.
“The project is significant as it offers an opportunity for the wider public to engage and interpret objects from such wreck sites, and increase our understanding and appreciation of Ireland’s maritime heritage,” he said.
Underwater archaeologist Julianna O’Donoghue, of Mizen Archaeology, will continue the archaeological examination on the propeller in advance of it going on display in the Spike Island Museum.
“I’m anticipating the conservation process will reveal markings or finer details on the propeller, which will further our understanding of the site, and confirm, or otherwise, if it is associated with the UC-42 wreck,” she said.
“The safe recovery, conservation, and presentation of the object also very much denotes a best practice project relating to our fragile underwater cultural heritage.”
Heritage Minister Malcolm Noonan said he was very pleased that the National Monuments Service was able to support this project, along with colleagues in the National Museum of Ireland, providing advice on the dive and recovery and conservation of the propeller.
“The UC-42 wreck is a significant part of our underwater cultural heritage and the final resting place of the German crew who were on board,” he said.
“A collaborative project like this highlights what can be achieved on a shared heritage basis, bringing together the diving community, the commercial archaeological sector, our German embassy colleagues, local authority, and the general public to raise awareness of the heritage of our seas and how, together, we can ensure its protection and appreciation.”
The ambassador of Germany to Ireland, Cord Meier-Klodt, congratulated all involved in the for the successful recovery of the propeller.
“We are now looking forward to the conservation work, which will hopefully allow for the propeller to be exhibited in a local museum. This will encourage more engagement with and learning about both German and Irish wartime history,” he said.