- White Ensign Raised Over HMS Exmouth Wreck After 80 Years
- Divers Pay Tribute to Fallen Crew of HMS Exmouth
- Current Condition of HMS Exmouth Wreck Revealed by Divers
More than 80 years after the British destroyer HMS Exmouth was lost at sea with all 190 hands on board, the White Ensign flag of the British Royal Navy was flown over the wreckage of the ship. The British destroyer sank during World War II approximately 20 miles off the shore of Scotland near Wick, reports Marine Insight.
Tributes to Fallen Crew Members
Over 50 meters into the North Sea, a team of divers tried to inspect the wreck site by diving, they paid respect to those who lost their lives in the tragedy. The HMS Exmouth wreck was discovered more than 20 years ago, but due to its deep and isolated location, it was quite challenging for divers to explore the place.
Preservation of Naval History
Recently, a dive team headed by Lt. Cmdr. Jen Smith and Rich Walker was recorded as using the dive boat MV Clasina to take photos of the wreck. They are driven with a vision to serve noble causes such as conserving naval history and paying respects for the sacrifices within the war.
Lt. Cmdr. Smith noted that there is no other resting place more final than a wreck where only 18 bodies have ever been recovered for the 190 who lost their lives. She said that the wreck should be preserved for future generations to see so they can pay respect to people who have lost their lives.
Historical Significance of HMS Exmouth
The light cruiser HMS Exmouth, built at Portsmouth, was very much used in the Mediterranean throughout the mid-1930s – supporting operations associated with Italy’s invasion of Abyssinia and the Spanish Civil War.
Immediately on the outbreak of World War II in September 1939, the destroyer was given a job escorting big warships, such as HMS Hood, and defending essential supply convoys.
Catastrophic Loss In Wartime
In January 1940, while escorting the steamer Cyprian Prince to Scapa Flow, the HMS Exmouth was torpedoed by the German submarine U-22. A subsequent explosion, probably from a detonation of the magazine, caused the ship to sink with all hands on board.
Current Condition of Wreck
The bow is almost completely gone; the anchor and cable only being left, says Lieutenant Commander Smith who described its current condition. The engine room is right worse off, but otherwise, it’s almost stable with the stern. As an official war grave, under the UK, we sought permission from the MoD to dive the wreck so cautiously and precisely for obvious reasons, explained one of the divers.
In one poignant gesture, a White Ensign was hoisted over the wreck in honour of those who lost their lives through their service to their country.
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Source: Marine Insight
