Why wrecks such as Prince of Wales remain war graves

Why are naval wrecks still targeted for salvage, and why is that controversial?

Low-background metal is valuable, but disturbing wrecks that contain the dead is a desecration of war graves.

Pre-1945 metal has value because it lacks later radioactive contamination, creating a commercial incentive for salvors. Components such as propellers add further value and make accessible wrecks attractive targets. Prince of Wales, Repulse, Electra, and Encounter remain protected war graves rather than ordinary scrap sources. The dead at sea deserve the same continuing respect as casualties in maintained cemeteries on land, regardless of whether immediate relatives still survive. Disturbing wrecks may also expose explosives and sovereign property, adding practical and legal reasons to reject unauthorized commercial salvage.