This site contains the remains of an unidentified and very broken up vessel, lying in two sections. The identification of the boiler and the construction method of the riveted plate implies that the wreck was built pre-World War II, and probably sank either during the war or shortly after.
The wreck is situated SE of Hastings, East Sussex and lies at a depth of 16m. The dimensions of the vessel are 85 metres in length and 15 metres in width.
In August 2002 the wreck site was surveyed using sidescan sonar and magnetometer. The magnetometer data indicates that the vessel was made of a ferrous metal. When the site was dived a month later, it became apparent that the vessel had been disturbed after it sank. The UKHO (United Kingdom Hydrographic Office) report for the wreck site noted that the vessel had been swept and dispersed in 1956, confirming the dive results.
This site is the wreck of a World War II bomber, identified by its engines as a B-17 Flying Fortress.
It lies in 16m of water, 2.4nm SSW of Newhaven, East Sussex.
As an aircraft lost in military service, the site is protected under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986. Reports from a dive investigation in 1975 indicate that the tail section and wings were visible on the site and therefore it is assumed that the plane was ditched and sank intact, rather than crashed. The Royal Navy removed the wings later that year after a diver died on the site; a tragedy believed to have been caused by the hazardous nature of the site.
In 2002 a geophysical and diving assessment of the site was completed by Wessex Archaeology to confirm the aircraft type and establish the remaining extent of the site. The geophysical information consisted of sidescan sonar and magnetometer data. The site was dived twice, in September 2002, to ground truth the sidescan anomalies. This survey observed that only three engines and some scattered debris remained at the wreck site, most of which are largely buried.
In June 2003, the site was surveyed again using magnetometer, sub-bottom profiler and multibeam sonar. Later that year, further diving fieldwork was carried out on the site which mainly comprised visual recording (photographs, video, site plan, feature dimensions) and some light cleaning of one of the engines. Underwater photos and video can be viewed by clicking the red spots on the multibeam image here.
A comparison of the survey results concluded that the site had not changed greatly over the year and was therefore in a generally stable condition.
Further information about B-17 bombers can be found here.
A combination of documentary research and geophysical data have identified this shipwreck as that of the 
mid 19th century Swedish steamer Talis. The vessel sank with its cargo of coal after a collision with the ss Roman. In dive guides the wreck is usually called the “1906 wreck” after the year it sank and was later rediscovered.
The wreck site is situated 5.56nm SE of Beachy Head in East Sussex, just south of the Royal Sovereign Shoals, in 15.2m of water (CD). The dimensions of the wreck are approximately 65m x 12m.
In August 2002 Wessex Archaeology surveyed the site using sidescan sonar and magnetometer. The sidescan data showed that the wreck was lying on an even keel and was largely buried. The amidship section of the vessel was broken up, which may be due to a salvage operation. The site was not dived during the 2002 fieldwork season due to adverse weather conditions.
In June 2003 WA carried out further geophysical investigation of the site using multibeam sonar, and this corresponded with the previous year’s results. No dive survey was carried out in 2003 due to time constraints and adverse weather.
Click here to view geophysical images from both years’ fieldwork, together with more information about the Talis and a link to find out the vessel specifications.
In the summer of 2005, the site was subject to both ROV (remotely operated vehicle) and diver survey. Examples of the video footage together with underwater photos, a site plan and information regarding the construction, vessel type, fittings and machinery of the Talis can all be viewed here.
Hi! My name is Vicki Lambert, and last week I began a one year’s EPPIC placement in the Coastal and Marine Department here at WA. The ‘English Heritage Professional Placements in Conservation’ is a joint initiative between the Institute of Field Archaeologists, English Heritage and the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, whereby they provide the funding and support for host companies, universities, museums and so on, to provide professional and specialist workplace learning. Ideally these placements will lead to a vocational qualification and also a step in the right direction in terms of establishing a career in the heritage field of your choice.
The EPPIC scheme has been established since 2003, and after a succesful application and interview, I was selected for one of the six placements organised for this year. I’m delighted to have the opportunity of joining the C&M department and look forward to working with everyone and being involved in the various projects through the year!
More information about the EPPIC scheme and the placements from this year and previous years can be found here.
