After its ultimate demise during World War I, a shipwreck forgotten in time has been re-discovered after a century – with a spooky “monster” lurking in the depths.
Dominic Robinson, a professional diver, took himself into the depths of the Cornish sea where he discovered an eerie sight.
Upon diving off the boat, accompanied by team Darkstar, he recalls coming across a shipwreck believed to have sunk in 1918.
The SS Libourne, a British cargo ship, was targeted by Hellmuth von Rockteschell, a German Naval officer, during World War I.
After the captain gave the order to fire and sink the ship, located off the coast of Cornwall, £425 worth of gherkins and 10,000 bottles of liquor were taken down too.
While there were no gherkins spotted amongst the rubble and debris left behind, there were many other objects spotted.
In one photo, torn nets appear to sway in the ocean and cling on by a single piece of thin rope, which is still tied to the ship.
In another image, rust has encapsulated the boat in tiny bubbles and almost makes its structure look unrecognisable.
From different types of sea life taking refuge in the narrow corners, to bottles of now-sandy liquor still intact – the wreck has left behind a new story to tell.
“There were lots of bottles visible on the wreck, but we also felt there were many more beneath the sand and bits of wreckage,” Dominic told NeedToKnow.online.
“[Sadly] there were no gherkins.
“The wreck is a long way off shore, so reaching it was reliant on good weather which we were fortunate enough to have.
“Diving [this deep] is always going to be difficult, but the Darkstar team are one of the very best in the country.
“Over many years, they’ve been the first to find and dive lots of iconic deep wrecks.
“I love being able to photograph wrecks that almost no-one else gets to see – it’s a real privilege and makes all the effort feel worthwhile.”
Dominic also came across a “monster” guarding the shipwreck, however the creature actually turned out to be an Angler Fish.
Despite their regular presence in the sea, the “spooky” fish measured at over three ft long, which is a far cry from their average seven-inch length.
Now, it’s believed that a team of marine explorers are seeking permission to recover the many bottles of alcohol which have been uniquely preserved after a century in the unknown sea.
However, the 2001 UNESCO convention states that there’s protection of underwater heritage – leaving Government officials unable to provide permission.
Despite this, it’s believed that very little cargo will be drinkable due to corks being destroyed and allowing water, as well as air into the bottles.
Above all, those who lost their lives in this tragic incident should be remembered for their sacrifice.
Dominic added: “Three sailors died when the SS Libourne was torpedoed by U-54.
“Like all the other 15,000 merchant mariners who lost their lives in [the war], we should remember their sacrifice.”
