The Bismarck

[Marko]

Is it true that the German government does not allow the bismark to be salvaged? If this is true, this is fantastic. I've read it on this one site. I really get angry when i hear that ships like the Titanic are almost stripped down totally, with little to see. Very sad. And angry.

 

[Mark Chirnside]

Hi Marko!

Let's face it, the problem with Titanic is that she is not a warship. Warships remain the property of their Governments even underwater or in international waters, or so I've been told. (Probably someone else can tell.) I'd imagine that the HMS Hood is too, or what's left of her. She was just too old compared to the Bismarck.

Best regards,

Mark.

 

[Michael H. Standart]

While I can't speak to the laws and policies of other governments, the sunken warships of the U.S. Navy remain the property of the United States government and are not subject to salvage. For more information, click on http://usmilitary.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.history.navy.mil%2Ffaqs%2Ffaq28-1.htm

Cordially,
Michael H. Standart

 

[Steve Smith]

Most UK Naval vessels in which loss of life has occurred are designated War Graves which gives them some legal protection (in theory).
This site has some interesting info on UK military wrecks and practice, and some regarding US wrecks too

http://www.fleetairarmarchive.net/Ships/Survivingships/Maritime_war_memorials.html