Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:49:08-1:50:16

War graves and non-invasive wreck research

Historic wrecks and war graves should remain undisturbed, while remotely operated surveys can still recover evidence without raising a hull.

Admiral Graf SpeeGerman Battleship BismarckMaritime War GravesShipwrecksUnderwater Archaeology
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Question

Should wrecks such as Admiral Graf Spee be raised, and can remote surveys still be useful?

Short answer

War graves and historic wrecks should remain undisturbed, while non-invasive ROV surveys such as a Bismarck inspection can still be worthwhile when funding permits.

Notes

The stated preference is to leave war graves and historic wrecks such as Admiral Graf Spee undisturbed. That principle does not rule out remote observation. A small ROV survey of Bismarck could inspect evidence such as torpedo damage without raising the hull. Funding is the practical limit, while a later example notes similar remote work on lost Polish submarines.