June 28th 2025.
In the aftermath of the First World War, the HMS Cassandra met a tragic fate and sank in the Baltic Sea, just weeks after the war had ended. To this day, the sunken British warship remains a looming threat, with experts warning of the catastrophic damage that could be unleashed if action is not taken.
The Ministry of Defence has taken notice of this danger and is mounting an expedition to the Cassandra. The ship, which struck a mine and sank, is now lying on its starboard side near the Estonian island of Saaremaa. It is slowly leaking oil, with an estimated 780 tons still onboard, as well as other pollutants. The British mission aims to not only investigate the wreck, but also tackle the larger issue of over 8,500 sunken ships that pose a similar threat.
Lydia Woolley, the leader of the campaign known as Project Tangaroa, has expressed the grave danger posed by wrecks like the Cassandra. She explains how these potentially polluting wrecks can have a devastating impact on coastal communities and marine ecosystems if left unmanaged. This could result in the destruction of vital fishing grounds and coastal tourism, ultimately affecting the marine environment, human health, and regional economies.
It has been a century since the Cassandra sank, but the threat it poses remains as real as ever. Swedish diver Marcus Runeson, who has explored the wreck, recalls witnessing oil droplets rising to the surface at a rapid pace. He also notes that the ship was equipped with paravanes, which contain large amounts of mercury. According to Marcus, the potential for environmental harm extends beyond just oil leakage.
In an effort to raise awareness and spur governments into action, Project Tangaroa has published The Malta Manifesto. This document highlights the urgent need for addressing the risks posed by sunken ships, as the next decade is expected to see a significant increase in oil leakage from these wrecks. The potential damage to natural and cultural heritage, as well as the economic cost, is deemed too great to ignore.
The Ministry of Defence's Salvage and Maritime Operations team will be leading the expedition to the Cassandra. SALMO boss Matt Skelhorn explains how this mission is a testament to the commitment of the Malta Manifesto. He also mentions the collaboration with the Estonian government to address any potential oil leakage from the wreck.
Mark Spalding, president of The Ocean Foundation, emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the need for swift action. He suggests the formation of a Finance Task Force with the authority to take action before 2039, as the cost of remediation for these wrecks is estimated to be in the billions.
The HMS Cassandra, a C-class cruiser, may have been lost in 1918, but its impact is still felt today. The ship sits on its starboard side at a depth of approximately 95 meters, with 20 meters of its bow missing. Despite the rust that has slowly advanced over the years, the ship remains in remarkably good condition due to its oxygen-free environment. However, experts warn that this will not last forever and action must be taken to address this ticking time bomb.
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