Key Takeaways:
– The World War I shipwreck believed to be the SS Tobol has been discovered off the northeast coast of Scotland through sonar scans conducted for an upcoming wind farm project.
– Developers ScottishPower and Shell partnered with MarramWind for the offshore wind farm whose survey led to the significant historical discovery.
– The site’s protection and preservation are underway in collaboration with the UK Hydrographic Office and Historic Environment Scotland.
– Potentially, MarramWind will produce electricity enough to service 3.5 million homes once completed.
Unraveling A Centuries-Old Maritime Mystery
In a significant historic development, MarramWind, the upcoming offshore wind farm from ScottishPower and Shell, has unearthed the remains of a shipwreck believed to be the World War I ship, the SS Tobol. The discovery was a result of geophysical and environmental surveys carried out by the project team off the northeast coast of Scotland.
Instrumental Role of Sonar Scans
Data collected through sonar scans became pivotal to identifying the wreck. The Tobol, a turret deck design merchant vessel of Russian origin, disappeared after it was torpedoed by a German U-boat in September 1917. Its unconfirmed location had posed as a 107-year-old maritime mystery until this discovery.
Ship’s Historical Background
The Tobol, built in Sunderland, England at the beginning of the 20th century, was a marvel of its time. The Russian Navy seized control of this ship, initially named the SS Cheltenham, in 1904. Throughout its active years, the Tobol sailed vital trade routes, including one from Blyth, England to Arkhangelsk, Russia.
Previous Shipwreck Discovery
This current finding shadows a recent detection of another World War I ship, the HMS Hawke, off the Scottish coast. Divers discovered this vessel last month, nearly a century after it sank due to a German U-boat attack in 1914.
Responses to The Historic Discovery
Experts express their delight over this extraordinary find. Toby Gane, marine and coastal cultural heritage and archaeology lead for WSP, says, “It’s incredible that – more than a century on – we finally have a sense of where the SS Tobol likely went down thanks to MarramWind.”
Colin Anderson, Development Manager for MarramWind, further reiterates that while it’s usual to find wreckages, finding the Tobol is particularly special due to its historical significance.
Protection Measures for The Site
MarramWind has confirmed the installation of an ‘exclusion zone’ around the wreck to ensure its protection as the offshore wind project advances. Discussions with the UK Hydrographic Office and Historic Environment Scotland are also ongoing to maintain the site’s preservation.
UUpcoming Developments
The proposed offshore wind project, once completed, envisages powering approximately 3.5 million homes. This project, along with uncovering historical maritime mysteries, is likely to further underline renewable energy’s growing significance.