war graves and their definition

[SinoScuba]

Dive Buddies,

I'm hoping that someone with a naval or admiralty law background can help me answer a question relating to a shipwreck I am researching.

When sailors die on a ship in wartime, rules of the sea dictate that the shipwreck is a war grave. However, what about a naval vessel that sinks during peacetime, with loss of life? What is the rule of the sea or protocol that prevails in this situation?

Please e-mail me directly at steven at sinoscuba dot com if you have an answer. Thank you very much.

 

[blacksambellamy]

Just dive where you want and tell nobody. Once you open your mouth you are screwed

 

[skippy77]

same rule applies in the uk now to divers and fishermen if the wreck went down with loss of live it is regarded as a grave the uk goverment have now stopped ppl from fishing and diving on them but who is policing it go if u want but check local laws and please respect the dead

 

[The Kraken]

SinoScuba,

Just suppose you were the father of a young man who went down with his ship.

How would you feel about people diving on the wreck and possibly recovering the bones of your son as a "treasure"?

the Kraken

 

[2TH DIVR]

So after the family has pasted and there are no more to morn the loss does that make it open to divers?
If I die and go down with a ship and some sicko wants my bones he can have them, for my soul will be in a far better place.
Personally I wouldn't take bones (human), but brass is another story.

 

[skippy77]

no it is classed as a grave yard it would be like going to the local cemetry and digging up some 1s grave

 

[The Kraken]

Well, may I suggest that each revert to his own sense of common decency, if, indeed, he has one.

the K

 

[MoonWrasse]

It may be illegal to possess human remains such as bones, irregardless of removing them from shipwrecks. I seem to recall such a law in the US per sale of human bones.

Anyway, do you really want to be known as a ghoul?

http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/irregardless

 

[skippy77]

basically no u are not allowed to dive onthose sort of wrecks sorry do it at your own risk i say leave them in peace they proberly died for u any way

 

[Tom Yerian]

Just dive where you want and tell nobody. Once you open your mouth you are screwed

I absolutly agree with you! Also, if you happen to come across a wreck of spanish origin;with lots of interesting artifacts, for God sake, don't tell any one! Definitly, do not try to go legal!!!The moment you do, you will lose all chances, to ever claiming, anything from the wreck! The only one who will make out is your attorney!!Win or lose, he will always win, because you pay him either way. Just Loot the wreck any way you can, as secreatly as you can. Other wise you will end up with nothing. Don't buy that "Cultural Heritage" crap, that archeologists put out. Capt Tom