Maritime Military Heritage: Illicit Salvage and its Consequences Witness Seminar

About us

This event is part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2018. Visit the University of Plymouth website for information about the festival and other events that are taking place.


This witness seminar event will draw upon the knowledge and experience of a panel of experts to reflect upon and discuss issues around the protection of military remains where they take the form of shipwrecked material and aircraft lost in conflict.

The subject matter is of contemporary research interest given the fact that modern salvage technologies are enabling the unregulated and in some cases illegal recovery of materials from these sites. HMS Exeter is literally a wreck that 'disappeared' as a result of salvage undertaken in the Java Sea and the vessels of a number of states' navies have suffered similar fates. Such interventions are sensitive given that the sites are the resting places of fallen military and other personnel, and have a specific status in law. Alongside the more visible loss of cultural property and potential disturbance of remains there is often an environmental damage component – appreciating the potential costs and social impacts of polluting incidents also factor into the appreciation of the issues involved in wreck disturbance.

The topic draws together current research interests and expertise in law, conflict history and maritime archaeology as well as environmental and cultural sustainability. Our panel brings considerable expertise and insight and comprises:
Vice Admiral Sir Anthony Dymock – Trustee, Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust
Mr Michael Williams – Visiting Research Fellow, School of Law, Criminology and Government, University of Plymouth
Mr Dave Parham – Associate Professor in Maritime Archaeology, University of Bournemouth
Dr Harry Bennett – Associate Professor in History, University of Plymouth

Plymouth's clear links to the military (HMS Exeter for example was Devonport constructed and based) and the future redevelopment of the city's Royal Naval Heritage Centre provides a timely backdrop to frame the event. It is hoped that the seminar will promote networks, conversations and interest in issues such as site protection and innovative means of regulation at jurisdictional boundaries or on the high seas.

The seminar will be of interest to those involved in heritage conservation policy, salvage law, maritime military history and wreck divers and is open to all. Please register your place via the
University website or email jason.lowther@plymouth.ac.uk for further information.

Image: HMS Exeter. Credit: Western Morning News