[Lanny]

Looking at the marked differences of opinion in the "Hmm..." Thread, I thought it might be interesting to put this to the vote. Where do you stand, assuming you are subject to UK law and ignoring the fact that most are not trained to dive to the depths of these wrecks.

1. Would dive and penetrate PoW/Repulse, removing aretefacts if desired.

2. Would dive and penetrate PoW/Repulse, leaving the wrecks as found.

3. Would dive the wrecks in a respectful manner, not conducting penetration.

4. Would not dive these wrecks under any circumstances.


Having dived both these wrecks, I am firmly in the "3" camp. I would not penetrate the wrecks due to the current legislation, however do not have an intrinsic moral problem with penetration, as long as it done in a completely respectful manner. Any tampering with artefacts or remains, for whatever reason, is totally reprehensible. I was shocked by the neatly arranged skulls in Truk shown in Andy's previous post.

I do accept that lifting the ban on entering wrecks which are designated protected places would lead to desecration and believe that the current legislation has got it about right. You only have to look at the Thistlegorm and even the Scylla to realise that not all divers are responsible about leaving wrecks undisturbed.

On a final note, if anyone does get a chance to dive either wreck, they are both very moving dives with a fascinating historical significance.