The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is asking for UK divers to help identify pollution seeping from historic wrecks.
The MCA occasionally receives reports of oil pollution associated with shipwrecks, although this information is usually received on an ad-hoc basis. Whilst the Government does keep records of known 'Potentially Polluting Wrecks', these are often incomplete due to the nature of the vessels’ sinking during times of war.
How you can help
Jayne Ede, Counter-Pollution and Salvage Officer at the MCA said:
By identifying the toxic legacy of wrecks around our coastline, BSAC members can help improve our knowledge of this situation. Dive clubs may have local knowledge on polluting wrecks which we can add to our records and investigate any requirement for remedial action.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency have created this short questionnaire, which can be filled out anonymously.
Alternatively, please email HQ_CounterPollution@mcga.gov.uk with as much of the following information as possible regarding any known sites:
- Location
- Name of wreck
- Frequency of pollution observed or last observation of pollution
- Any other contextual information
Any information you provide will help the UK Government meet its obligation to protect and preserve the marine environment.
