Hidden Dangers: The Threat of Underwater Shipwrecks
The world’s oceans and seas are home to over 8,500 shipwrecks from the two world wars. These wrecks are not just remnants of history; they pose significant environmental and safety risks. Estimates suggest that these underwater graves contain approximately 6 billion gallons of oil, along with munitions, toxic heavy metals, and even chemical weapons. For decades, these wrecks have remained largely unnoticed, but their degradation is accelerating. Climate change is exacerbating the situation, increasing the likelihood of sudden releases of hazardous materials into the marine environment. With a staggering cost of about $340 billion to address this global issue, urgent action is needed to mitigate the risks posed by these submerged dangers.
Mapping the Underwater Challenge
Understanding the scale of the problem begins with mapping. Researchers like Paul Heersink have worked tirelessly to compile various datasets to visualize the extent of shipwrecks. However, the reality is that our oceans are not as well mapped as we would hope. Currently, only about 23% of the ocean has been described and mapped in detail. Even this level of detail often fails to accurately identify wrecks or assess the risks they pose.
The Seabed 2030 project aims to improve mapping efforts, targeting a universal resolution of 100×100 meters. This would provide a clearer picture of the ocean floor, but it still won’t reveal the intricate details of what lies beneath. Many wrecks that pose the greatest threats are located in shallower coastal waters, where mapping initiatives are more advanced. Yet, the challenge of accurately identifying these wrecks remains. Historical records, such as those from the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, are crucial for understanding the nature of these wrecks. However, the accuracy of these records can vary, complicating efforts to locate and assess them.
British maritime archaeologist Innes McCartney and oceanographer Mike Roberts have shown that many historic wrecks have been misattributed and mislocated. Their research indicates that up to 60% of wrecks may be sitting in unknown locations on the seabed. This uncertainty complicates efforts to address the risks associated with these wrecks, making it imperative to improve our mapping and data-sharing efforts.
A Race Against Time
The urgency of addressing the risks posed by shipwrecks cannot be overstated. Most of the wrecks of concern are made of metal or a combination of metal and wood. Over time, the steel in these wrecks degrades, increasing the likelihood of cargo spills and structural failures. This risk is compounded by the increasing activity in our oceans, including intensified fishing and the construction of offshore wind farms. These activities can disturb wreck sites and alter the dynamics of the seabed.
Despite growing recognition of the need to tackle this issue, it remains unresolved due to its complex international and interdisciplinary nature. Many wrecks lie in waters far from their original owners, raising questions about responsibility and accountability. The legal concept of sovereign immunity complicates matters further, as the flag state of a ship is often not held liable under international law.
Technical challenges also abound. Accurately assessing the number of wrecks of concern, locating them, and determining their condition requires collaboration among historians, archaeologists, engineers, and scientists. While regional projects have made progress, the scale of the problem far exceeds current efforts. New technologies, such as Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), offer promising solutions. These drones can gather high-resolution data on wrecks and their conditions while minimizing emissions.
However, the key to solving this problem lies in collaboration and data sharing. Underwater surveys often occur in isolation, hindering a comprehensive understanding of the risks involved. A global partnership, known as Project Tangaroa, aims to create a robust regulatory and funding framework to address these challenges. With political will and financial support, we can work towards a future where the ocean is not a place of hidden dangers, but a safe and well-understood environment.
