WW1 Rathlin Island wreck gets monument status

Image source, DAERA

Image caption, Divers from all over Europe come to the wreck of HMS Drake
  • Author, Conor Macauley
  • Role, 大象传媒 NI Agriculture & Environment Correspondent

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A World War One cruiser sunk off Rathlin Island has been made a listed monument.

HMS Drake was torpedoed by a German U boat off the island in 1917 with the loss of 19 lives and went down a short time later in Church Bay.

It has been a popular dive site for many years.

The listing will mean that divers can still access the wreck but will not be able to remove anything from it.

Image source, Dept for Communities

Image caption, HMS Drake sank off Rathlin in 1917

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The remains of the ship are considerable with anchors, guns and steering gear still intact and clearly visible.

Senior archaeologist with the Department for Communities Liam McQuillan said the designation gave the wreck its proper recognition "as a site of national importance".

Image source, DAERA

Image caption, The wreck is a popular dive site

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There will be no exclusion zone and the listing will not mean a licensing system for dives.

Marine Archaeologist Rory McNeary from the Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs said he would "actively encourage divers to visit the site but to take photos rather than souvenirs".

Image caption, A marker buoy now floats above the wreck

Three lighthouses on Rathlin are also being protected, including the oldest one on the island, the East Lighthouse.

Image source, Department for Communities

Image caption, The East Lighthouse is one of three lighthouses which are also being protected

It has stood on Rathlin for the last 150 years.

The West Lighthouse at the RSPB sea bird centre has been given a Grade A listing.