Q&A ยท 2:23:10-2:24:04

Could Deadlight wrecks supply low-background steel?

The value of pre-atomic steel does not remove the diplomatic barriers to salvaging jointly controlled Operation Deadlight wrecks.

Question

Could the steel from the scuttled U-boats be salvaged as pre-atomic or low-background steel?

Short answer

Technically it could be useful, but salvage would require agreement from Britain, the United States, and Russia as the successor to the Soviet claim.

Notes

Pre-atomic steel had attracted proposals to recover material from the wrecks. The obstacle described here is the need for British, American and Russian approval. Potential financial benefits would not guarantee agreement between the governments. The suggestion that one government might refuse because another had agreed is a speculative comment on their relations.