By Connie Kelleher, ACUA Board member
For those not wholly familiar with Ireland, it is an island, surrounded by the sea, located within the North Atlantic. It lies to the west of Britain and Europe, but Ireland was not on the periphery. Ireland’s territorial waters and Continent Shelf retain the remains of a recorded 18,000 wrecks, attesting to its central location within active marine routeways. The underwater cultural heritage (UCH) of Ireland is a rich tapestry that reflects the island’s complex historical interactions with various nations over centuries. The significant number of shipwrecks, particularly from the World War I era, where 1,054 were lost within the four-year period of the war, illustrates not only the maritime history of Ireland but also the broader geopolitical dynamics of the time.
The legislative framework that protects wrecks over 100 years old in Ireland underscores the importance of these underwater sites as irreplaceable cultural resources. The National Monuments Service’s (NMS) role is crucial, as statutory regulators, in ensuring that these wrecks are managed, preserved and studied, allowing for a better understanding of Ireland’s maritime past and its connections to global events.
Of the recorded wrecks from the WWI period listed in the NMS’ Wreck Inventory Database, 97% comprised merchant or fishing vessels and passenger ships, and 3% armed merchant cruisers, military or naval losses, reflecting the intense naval engagements and the strategic significance of the waters surrounding Ireland during the war. The year 1917 witnessed the greatest shipping losses, with the sinking of some 650 vessels. The predominance of merchant and passenger vessels among these wrecks indicates the vital role that trade and civilian maritime activity played during the war. The staggering loss of life—over 7,000 individuals from various countries—serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the interconnections of nations through such losses.
The shared heritage from significant historical events, such as those during the great World Wars, but also much earlier examples, like that of the 1588 ill-fated Spanish Armada campaign, serves as a poignant reminder of our interlinked past and the importance of collaborative efforts in preserving this legacy. The losses incurred during the Armada campaign, particularly around the coast of Ireland, highlight the profound human cost of such military endeavours and the need to honour and remember those who perished.
Engaging with our underwater heritage transcends national borders and requires cooperation involving various stakeholders. The proactive collaboration exemplified by the 2024 dive project surrounding the 1917 wreck of the German mine-laying submarine UC-42, located in Cork Harbour, illustrates how diverse groups can come together to protect and preserve our UCH. By involving local dive clubs, archaeological firms, governmental bodies, and international partners, the project not only ensured compliance with legal and ethical standards but also fostered a sense of community and shared responsibility.
https://www.rte.ie/news/munster/2024/0617/1455148-cork-propeller
The recovery and conservation of the submarine’s propeller serves as an archaeological achievement but also as a memorial to the 27 German crew members who lost their lives when one of its own torpedoes detonated. Currently undergoing conservation, the propeller is to be put on display at Spike Island Fortification, where the public can engage directly with the archaeological object while learning about the wreck’s history, ensuring that the stories of those who perished are not forgotten. The project highlighted the importance of a well-structured approach to heritage preservation, where collaboration, respect for the past, and community involvement are paramount.
Strengthening collaboration between the NMS and the Ministry of Culture (MoC) in Spain stresses the shared historical significance of the Spanish Armada and its remnants. The story of the Armada is not just a tale of naval warfare but also a reflection of the complex connections and conflicts in play between European maritime powers at that time, involving various nations and cultures. The Spanish Armada, commissioned by Philip II of Spain, was a diverse fleet that included ships from different regions, showcasing the cosmopolitan nature of naval power during that era. The presence of ships from Ragusa (now Dubrovnik), Venice and Portugal alongside those of Spain, illustrates the extensive trade networks and alliances that existed and how ships from these powers could be requisitioned when needed to augment the main fleet.
The rescue excavation of one of the Armada wrecks, La Juliana in 2015 by the NMS, was a significant archaeological project, revealing archaeological objects that provide insight into the ship’s history and the broader context of the Armada. One of three Armada wrecks lost in September 1588 at Streedagh in County Sligo, the recovery of bronze guns, carriage wheels, and a bronze cauldron not alone adds to the material culture of the period but reminds us of the tragedy that unfolded in Streedagh Bay on that stormy night. The acknowledgment of the three wrecks as a mass gravesite, where approximately 1,100 men lost their lives, accentuates the respect and sensitivity required in archaeological practices. The involvement of representatives from Ireland’s Department of Heritage and the Spanish Embassy during the excavation reflects the importance of international cooperation in heritage preservation. This collaboration not only facilitates the recovery of significant artefacts but also fosters a deeper understanding of shared histories and the collective memory of nations involved in such historical events. The efforts put forth by both organisations serve as a model for future collaborations in the field of underwater cultural heritage.
The joint publication currently underway by colleagues in the NMS and the MoC, set for 2025, aims to illuminate the remarkable tale of Captain Francisco de Cuéllar, who survived the shipwreck of La Lavia at Streedagh in 1588. Cuéllar’s narrative is one of resilience and bravery, chronicling his harrowing experiences in the aftermath of the ship’s loss. His account, penned upon his return to Spain a year later, offers invaluable insights into the social and political dynamics of Ireland and Europe during that tumultuous period.
The impact of Cuéllar’s story resonates deeply within the local community at Streedagh, which has preserved the memory of this historical event. The NMS’s dive project, conducted in collaboration with this close-knit community, once more emphasises the importance of engagement on our shared history. Each year, in September, the community commemorates Captain Cuéllar and the tragic fate of the shipwrecked crew, attracting large crowds that include both Irish and Spanish visitors. These ceremonies pay tribute to the lost souls but are also a celebration of the enduring connections forged through time. The commitment to honouring this past highlights the significance of our underwater cultural heritage in fostering community bonds and international ties.
Collaboration allows us to transcend historical divisions and work toward a common goal—preserving our UCH together, and celebrating our shared histories – not just in Ireland but across the globe. The tangible elements of UCH, such as shipwrecks and objects, serve as physical reminders of our collective past, while the intangible aspects—stories, traditions, and memories—forge lasting bonds that binds us together. Through our joint efforts, we can work to heal the wounds of history and promote understanding, respect, and unity among different cultures and communities. Ireland’s underwater cultural heritage will continue to provide valuable insights into the island’s past, its role in global maritime history, and the enduring legacy of its connections to other nations.
Categorised in: Deep Thoughts