ON
← Back to feed
Navy warship that sank during fatal training exercise uncovered after 118 years
United Kingdom🏛️ PoliticsCenter13 days ago

Navy warship that sank during fatal training exercise uncovered after 118 years

Divers off the Isle of Wight have located the wreck of HMS Tiger, a Royal Navy warship that sank in 1908 during a training exercise, resulting in over half of its 57 crew members losing their lives. The collision occurred at night when the destroyer struck the cruiser HMS Berwick, cutting the ship in two. The discovery was made by the ProjectXplore group, which spent five years researching archival records to locate the wreck. The find coincides with discussions around the Armed Forces Bill, which proposes new legal protections for military shipwrecks, including a 'protected place' designation upon discovery. This would extend current safeguards under the Protection of Military Remains Act, which currently covers vessels lost within the last 200 years. Officials emphasize the importance of preserving maritime heritage and honoring the sacrifices of naval personnel.

A team of divers off the Isle of Wight has located the wreck of HMS Tiger, a Royal Navy warship that sank during a deadly training exercise in 1908. The discovery marks the first time the vessel's remains have been identified after nearly 118 years. The torpedo boat destroyer was split in two during a collision with the cruiser HMS Berwick while conducting night manoeuvres, resulting in the deaths of over half its 57-man crew. Fewer than half of the crew survived the incident, which became a tragic chapter in naval history. The wreck was found by ProjectXplore, a group of divers and historians who dedicated five years to researching archival records and narrowing down the likely location of HMS Tiger. Their efforts culminated in the successful identification of the site, bringing closure to a long-lost part of Britain’s maritime legacy. The find coincides with ongoing discussions around legislative changes aimed at better protecting military shipwrecks. A proposed amendment to the Armed Forces Bill would grant newly discovered wrecks a “protected place” status, offering legal safeguards against unauthorized disturbance. Currently, the Protection of Military Remains Act offers some level of protection, but it applies only to vessels lost within the last 200 years. The new provisions would extend this coverage indefinitely, ensuring that historically and archaeologically significant wrecks receive appropriate care. Minister for the Armed Forces Louise Sandher-Jones emphasized that such measures serve both national security interests and the preservation of the nation’s maritime heritage. She noted that these protections aim to honor the sacrifices of those who served, ensuring that their legacies remain intact for future generations. Leo Fielding and Dan McMullen, co-founders of ProjectXplore, expressed pride in their achievement, calling the discovery a lifelong privilege. They highlighted the importance of documenting such finds and ensuring that the stories of those associated with the wreck continue to be remembered. The group welcomed the proposed changes in the Armed Forces Bill, viewing them as a positive step toward safeguarding the UK’s underwater historical sites. Lieutenant Commander Jen Smith, the Royal Navy’s Deputy Fleet Wreck Officer, underscored the value of preserving military wrecks for both historical and educational purposes. She explained that these sites provide invaluable insights into naval history and allow divers to engage directly with the past. However, she stressed the need for responsible behavior among visitors, urging them to observe the sites with respect and avoid actions that could damage the integrity of the wrecks. The discovery of HMS Tiger adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the need for stronger legal frameworks to protect submerged military relics. As debates surrounding the Armed Forces Bill continue, the case of HMS Tiger serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of wartime operations and the enduring significance of preserving such histories. With the proposed legislation set to undergo further review, the fate of HMS Tiger and other similar wrecks may soon see improved legal protections.

2 reports

The Independent logoThe IndependentIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8013 days ago
Navy warship that sank during fatal training exercise uncovered after 118 years

Divers off the Isle of Wight have located the wreck of HMS Tiger, a Royal Navy warship that sank in 1908 during a training exercise, resulting in over half of its 57 crew members losing their lives. The collision occurred at night when the destroyer struck the cruiser HMS Berwick, cutting the ship in two. The discovery was made by the ProjectXplore group, which spent five years researching archival records to locate the wreck. The find coincides with discussions around the Armed Forces Bill, which proposes new legal protections for military shipwrecks, including a 'protected place' designation upon discovery. This would extend current safeguards under the Protection of Military Remains Act, which currently covers vessels lost within the last 200 years. Officials emphasize the importance of preserving maritime heritage and honoring the sacrifices of naval personnel.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of the discovery of HMS Tiger and discusses the proposed legislative changes to protect military shipwrecks. While the subject matter involves government legislation, the framing remains balanced, citing both the historical event and the governmental response.

Why factuality (85): The article provides a detailed account of the sinking of HMS Tiger in 1908, citing the cause as a collision with HMS Berwick during a training exercise. It mentions the loss of over half the crew and references historical responses like the king's telegram and commemorative postcards. While no prim

Why objectivity (80): The article presents the event in a factual manner but includes some emotive language such as 'fatal training exercise' and 'claimed the lives of more than half its crew.' It also frames the discovery as significant and highlights government actions, which may slightly lean towards emphasizing the i

Daily Mail logoDaily MailIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7013 days ago
HMS Tiger wreck is found at the bottom of the Channel 118 years after it was sliced in half

The wreck of HMS Tiger, a Royal Navy destroyer that was sliced in half during a 1908 collision with the HMS Berwick, has been located 118 years after the incident. The 400-tonne ship sank 20 miles south of the Isle of Wight, killing 35 crew members. The discovery was made by divers working with ProjectXplore after a four-year search, using sonar surveys and underwater exploration. The wreck was found in two parts, its stern section resting in sand and shingle, and its bow section on boulders, confirming its identity through historical markers like compasses and location. The incident was initially reported by the Daily Mail and led to parliamentary discussion and royal sympathy. A court martial ruled there was 'no blame can be attributed' to the crew.

Bias read (Center): While the article discusses a historical naval incident with some political implications (such as the involvement of the Royal Navy and parliamentary reaction), the framing remains largely neutral. It presents facts about the event, the investigation, and the aftermath without overt ideological slan

Why factuality (85): The article reports the discovery of HMS Tiger's wreck 118 years after it sank, aligning with historical records of the 1908 collision with HMS Berwick. It mentions the loss of 35 crew members and the search efforts by the Royal Navy and wreck hunters, which matches cross-source consensus. However,

Why objectivity (70): The article presents the discovery with a somewhat celebratory tone, mentioning the laying of a wreath in memory of those lost. While it provides factual information, it frames the event as a significant historical resolution, which may lean towards a positive narrative rather than maintaining stric

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories