NAS Editorial (original) (raw)

2012, Nautical Archaeology Newsletter

Archaeological Services in Relation to Marine Protection U8 Off South Varne Buoy, English Channel Undesignated Site Assessment making sense of heritage

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Historic England to undertake a marine geophysical survey consisting of sidescan sonar and magnetometer of a 200m² study area within the geophysical survey area, centred on the UK Hydrographic Office position for the wreck of submarine U8 approximately 2km north-west of the South Varne buoy. This was to be followed by a diver survey however due to expensive safety requirements for diving operations the brief was altered to use an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) to collect the geophysical data. Wessex Archaeology was mobilised aboard the support vessel Neptune at Dover Marine on 10th August 2015. A survey of low and high resolution was commenced over the given location. In total, 31 sidescan sonar, four multibeam bathymetry and nine magnetic anomalies were identified within the study area. These features include any anomalies associated with the wreck itself and surrounding features of possible archaeological potential associated with the wreck. One anomaly has been designated as A1 - anthropogenic origin of archaeological interest. This has been identified as the structure of the wreck itself. A further five anomalies were designated A2 - uncertain origin of possible archaeological interest, due to their uncertain structure and distance from the wreck. Based on analysis of reference and archival information and the latest geophysical data, U8 was assessed as either extremely or highly valuable against the non-statutory criteria for designation and has been recommended for designation under Protection of Wrecks Act 1973.

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