Sun Sep 15 13:07:58 UTC 2024: ## Historic WWI Merchant Vessel Found in North Sea During Offshore Wind Farm Survey
**[Location], [Date]** – In a remarkable discovery, surveys conducted for the proposed MarramWind floating offshore wind farm in the North Sea have uncovered the likely resting place of the SS Tobol, a Russian merchant vessel torpedoed by a German U-boat in 1917 during World War I.
The Fugro Galaxy survey vessel, conducting sonar scans for the wind farm project, identified an uncharted wreck matching the dimensions and characteristics of the SS Tobol, solving a 107-year-old maritime mystery. The ship, originally built as the SS Cheltenham in Sunderland, was captured by Russian warships in 1904 and renamed SS Tobol. It was sunk on September 11, 1917, by the German U-boat U-52 while sailing from Blyth to Arkhangelsk.
The wreck, measuring approximately 100 meters in length and standing 10.5 meters high, appears to be in good condition, providing a valuable glimpse into early 20th-century naval architecture.
“This really is an extraordinary find,” said Colin Anderson, Development Manager for MarramWind. “While the Tobol was known to have been torpedoed in the war, its location was unclear, so to discover it after more than a century and uncover its history is something special.”
The discovery has led to the establishment of a 250-meter exclusion zone around the wreck, and discussions are underway to create a long-term archaeological exclusion zone for its protection.
The MarramWind floating offshore wind farm, a joint venture between ScottishPower and Shell, aims to generate up to 3 GW of renewable electricity. The discovery of the SS Tobol adds historical significance to the project, highlighting the potential for renewable energy development to coexist with the preservation of maritime heritage.
“This kind of archaeological discovery is an added bonus when considering the benefits MarramWind could bring,” Anderson added.
The discovery offers an opportunity to learn more about the vessel and those who were aboard. While some sources suggest survivors from the sinking, this has yet to be verified. Anderson hopes the find will provide closure for the families and descendants of the crew members.
The discovery of the SS Tobol is a testament to the rich maritime history of the North Sea and a reminder of the enduring power of human ingenuity and the importance of preserving our shared heritage.
First Piper 