Survey provides 3d view of scuttle German fleet
(Story dated: Thursday, November 9, 2006)

The sonar image of the SMS Brummer

A week-long survey of the sunken German High Seas Fleet in Scapa Flow has produced the most detailed 3D images of the wrecks available to date. 

The survey of the seven vessels was carried out by ScapaMAP (Scapa Flow Maritime Archaeology Project) - a consortium of organisations, including Historic Scotland, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), NetSurvey, the University of New Hampshire and Stromness-based SULA Diving.

Scuttled on June 21, 1919, the wrecks are legally protected as scheduled ancient monuments of national importance.

The latest, high-resolution multibeam sonar was used to record the wrecks and the surrounding seabed. This allowed the production of 3D images, which will now be compared to similar maps compiled in 2001.

Bobby Forbes of SULA Diving has been supervising the project aboard the MCA’s vessel the Anglian Sovereign.

He said: “Over the last few years data analysis processes have advanced significantly, allowing high quality imagery. By reprocessing the 2001 data using these new techniques we should be able to look at structural changes at the sites.

“Divers will detail these changes using high resolution video and stills photography to provide a baseline for future survey work, looking at how large iron vessels deteriorate. Not only will this information be of value to the ScapaMAP project but also in monitoring some of the numerous wrecks around the coast of the UK that are of historical or environmental interest.”

Phillip Robertson, Inspector of Ancient Monuments with Historic Scotland, added: “By comparing this year’s work with previous surveys from 2001, we will begin to understand the extent to which these wrecks are deteriorating and how we approach their continued management.

“In the short term, the images from the ScapaMAP work will hopefully enhance understanding and appreciation of these monuments by charter boat owners and divers whose vigilance we depend on to assist in the protection of the scheduled wrecks.’

The project will also benefit mariners, with the hydrographic survey data used to keep nautical charts of the area up-to-date.

In the longer term, it is hoped the images will be incorporated into a CD-Rom available to divers intending to visit the wrecks, or anyone with an interest in the subject.