DIVERS WARNED OFF PROTECTED SUNDERLAND WRECK

Divers tempted into the waters of Milford Haven over this summer have been warned by the Port Authority to stay away from the wreck of a Sunderland flying-boat.

The wreck, between the Pembroke Dock waterfront and Llanstadwell and Hazelbeach, was protected last year by a 100 metre exclusion zone, but the Authority says there is evidence that people having been diving to explore it.

The exclusion zone to protect the valuable site was out in place following a request from the Pembroke Dock Museum Trust, which has been undertaking survey work under license to confirm the identity of the 50-year-old wreck.

No-one is allowed to dive on the wreck without permission and fishermen are also required to give the site a wide berth.

The Trust, which already owns an engine recovered from the site last year, believes it to be a type from the early part of the Second World War, one of several Sunderlands lost in the Haven during the time the aircraft operated from Pembroke Dock over nearly 20 years up to 1957.

The exclusion zone is not marked by buoys in order not to interfere with shipping traffic, but users of the waterway have been officially informed of its location. Local police, the Haven’s Police Marine Unit and the Port Authority’s own patrols are aware of the exclusion zone and will be keeping a very close watch on the site.