'Virtually intact' wreck believed to be Royal Navy warship torpedoed in WWI

A team of UK divers has discovered a wreck off the coast of Scotland, believed to be the HMS Hawke, a Royal Navy warship torpedoed by a German U-boat during World War I. The wreck, found in the North Sea, is reported to be "virtually intact" despite being submerged for 110 years. Paul Downs, a diver on the team, described the condition of the wreck as "unbelievable," with visible features including guns, armaments, and some interior elements like a clock. The HMS Hawke, an Edgar-class cruiser launched in 1891, sank in October 1914, resulting in the loss of over 500 crew members, with only 70 survivors. The wreck lies at a depth of 110 meters, which may have contributed to its preservation by avoiding harsh winter storms. The discovery was part of a long-term effort by the group Lost in Waters Deep, which utilized historical records to locate the ship. The Royal Navy is currently reviewing the findings for official confirmation. The wreck is expected to be treated as a war grave, potentially allowing for future dives but prohibiting any disturbance of the site.

- Divers discovered the wreck of HMS Hawke, believed to be torpedoed in 1914.

- The wreck is in remarkably good condition after 110 years underwater.

- Only 70 of the ship's crew survived the attack, with over 500 fatalities.

- The wreck lies at a depth of 110 meters, aiding its preservation.

- The Royal Navy is reviewing the findings for formal identification.