In a remarkable underwater discovery, shipwreck hunters in Scotland have located the HMS Hawke, a British warship that tragically sank during the early days of World War I. The cruiser, measuring 387 feet (118 meters) in length, was struck by a German U-boat torpedo on October 15, 1914, leading to the loss of 524 crew members. Now, nearly 110 years later, the wreck of HMS Hawke has been found resting on the seafloor of the North Sea.
A Devastating Attack in the Early Days of WWI
The HMS Hawke was on a mission to blockade the German mainland, a strategy that kept the majority of the Imperial German Navy confined to port. However, the advent of German U-boat technology changed the course of naval warfare. On that fateful day in October, the cruiser was struck by a torpedo from U-9, a U-boat commanded by Otto Weddigen. Weddigen had already gained notoriety just weeks earlier when he and U-9 sank three British cruisers, resulting in over 1,400 deaths.
The sinking of the Hawke shocked the British public and dealt a significant blow to the Royal Navy’s reputation. This event highlighted the growing threat of U-boats, which would later extend their reach even further across the Atlantic, threatening Allied and civilian vessels alike.
The Discovery of HMS Hawke
Kevin Heath, a researcher with the Orkney-based Lost in Waters Deep group, shared details of the discovery. The wreck was found about 360 feet (110 meters) underwater, approximately 70 miles (112 kilometers) east of Fraserburgh, Scotland. The location was identified on August 12 during a return dive from a previously marked seafloor obstruction, which turned out to be a false lead.
Thanks to historical records, including the German U-boat’s logbook, the team was able to determine the approximate location of the Hawke’s resting place. The site, now recognized as a war grave, is protected under law, preventing interference with the wreckage.
A Glimpse Into the Past
Despite the passage of more than a century, the HMS Hawke remains in remarkable condition. The group’s divers captured the first underwater images of the wreck, revealing intact teak decking, a well-preserved captain’s walkway, and numerous warship guns still in place.
The discovery of HMS Hawke not only serves as a solemn reminder of the lives lost in World War I but also provides valuable insights into naval history and the enduring legacy of those who served.
