Move to protect Scilly wreck

Plans have been announced to protect the remains of a 19th century cargo of Cornish mining equipment found off the Isles of Scilly.

The cargo was discovered by divers off Little Ganinick in 2005 but the ship itself, which is thought to have capsized nearby, has not been found.

The decision by Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell means the remains and a surrounding 75m area will be secured under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973.

The move follows a recommendation from English Heritage.

“These rare and well-preserved remains represent one of the most significant periods in Cornwall’s history, when expansion of the mining industry during the 19th Century resulted in massive migration and the spread of Cornish culture throughout the world,” said Culture Minister David Lammy.

“I am delighted that we can extend the proper protection to this site.”

Some 60 ‘wheel wreck’ sites off the coast of the UK have now been placed under the Act’s protection.

There are more than 500 registered shipwrecks around the Islands.