8 Apr 2008 - U714

U714 Gets MOD Protection Status as a War Grave

U714 returning from a Patrol 1944

Back in June 2006 Stevie and Warren Dived what turned out to be a WW2 German U-Boat which had been lost since being sunk in March 1945.

After a lot of work we identified her as U714, which was later confirmed by Innes McCartney.

 Stevie had been in touch with Roger Williams of Capetown who was a Crewman on the HMAS Natal which sunk U714, and via him has been corresponding with the U-Boat Skippers son Axel. They were very concerened that the wreck, which is the last resting place of 50 Sailors would be disturbed by Divers or Salvagers, so he has been working to get MOD protection for this Wreck.

Finally today the MOD have announced that she is now a Protected Wreck and has been recognised as a War Grave. Diving will still be allowed but only on a 'Look Dont Touch' basis. Any contravening of this will result in an exclusion order banning any Diving within 300m of her.

There is more info on this site on our Dive Guide

The Scotsman plan to do an article on her this week

Stevie