Ministry of Defence press release:
006/01
23 January 2001
LAUNCH OF WRECK AMNESTY
On Tuesday 23 January, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)
launched a three-month amnesty for the return of items taken from
wrecked ships. In support of the Wreck Amnesty Dr Lewis Moonie, Under
Secretary of State at the Ministry of Defence said:

"The Ministry of Defence fully supports the launch of the Wreck
Amnesty. This is a further step in the educational initiative that
the Government is promoting in our efforts to encourage legal and
responsible practices amongst divers and other users of the sea."
End

Notes to Editors:
1. The amnesty proposed by the MCA for undisclosed finds of wreck
will run for 3 months from 23 Jan 2001. It will be controlled by the
Receiver of Wreck (an official of the MCA appointed by the Secretary
of State for the Department of Environment, Transport and the
Regions).

2. Under Section 236 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, finders of
wreck are legally required to report their discoveries to the
Receiver of Wreck. The amnesty will be offered in relation to this
offence and those wishing to take advantage of it should make a
report to The Receiver of Wreck on 02380 329 474.

3. The majority of wreck is brought ashore by sport divers as
trophies around the coast of the UK. A substantial number of items
may have originated from HMS vessels. It is anticipated that a number
of items of light munitions and other potentially dangerous material
will be reported. Additional costs to MoD will be met from within
the MoD budget.



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Alex Hunt
Research and Conservation Officer
Council for British Archaeology
Bowes Morrell House
111 Walmgate
York
YO1 9WA
UK

Tel: +44 (0)1904 671417
Fax: +44 (0)1904 671384

http://www.britarch.ac.uk

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