A Royal Navy warship that was lost for 105 years has been discovered off the Scottish coastline.
The HMS Jason, originally a torpedo gunboat built in 1892 and later converted into a minesweeping vessel, joining the Grand Fleet during WWI, sunk to the bottom of the ocean on 3 April 1917.
A mine detonated off the island of Coll in the Inner Hebrides, tragically causing 25 crew members to perish along with the 810-tonne boat.
According to log books from the HMS Circe, which was exploring the mines with HMS Jason, between 50-60 men were saved including all officers.
Thanks to the efforts of SULA Diving and Dive Boat MV Clasina, which has spent the past five years looking for the shipwreck, it has finally been found.
In March 2022, they confirmed a promising target and between 12-13 April, the Gasperados dive team investigated the site – 93 metres below the ocean surface.
Mesmerising imagery of the shipwreck shows how Mother Nature has claimed the vessel, covering it in sand and with sea creatures having made it their home.
One snap even shows a bright but tiny starfish attached to the HMS Jason’s side.
Footage shot at the scene gives an even more extensive insight into this haunting vessel and its tragic last moments.
The dive team is in touch with the Ministry of Defence to inform them of the exact location of the wreck.
Measuring at 74m long, the ship had several guns, including nine pounder guns and 3 18-inch torpedo tubes onboard.
“It was great to see the team working together to deliver such an excellent result,” said project leader, Kevin Heath.
Diver Steve Mortimer added: “It was a privilege to help identify the remains of this vessel.
“Twenty-five families can now take comfort that the location of their relatives’ ship is precisely known.
“We think that’s important.”
