On August 10, a team of divers from ProjectXplore announced the discovery of the long‑lost Royal Navy warship HMS Tiger off the coast of the Isle of Wight. The ship went down in 1908 when it collided with the 10,000‑ton HMS Berwick, killing more than half of its 57‑member crew.

ProjectXplore spent five years researching archival records and piecing together data to pinpoint the wreck’s location. Images released by the group show divers navigating the twisted, rust‑covered remains on the seabed, and a wreath was placed on the site in memory of those who perished.

Historical significance and upcoming protections

The discovery arrives as the British government moves forward with its Armed Forces Bill, which would extend legal protection to military shipwrecks from the moment they are found. Under the proposed legislation, disturbing or removing artifacts from sites like HMS Tiger would be illegal without proper permission, though a “look but don’t touch” approach would still allow divers to visit.

Armed Forces Minister Louise Sandher‑Jones said the bill aims to safeguard the nation’s cultural heritage while also improving housing for military families. “These protections ensure that vulnerable and nationally significant monuments receive the dignity and respect they deserve,” she added.

Recent wreck discoveries in British waters

HMS Tiger joins a growing list of historic vessels uncovered in recent years. Last summer, divers documented the remarkably preserved wreck of the warship Northumberland off Kent, more than 320 years after it sank in the Great Storm of 1703. Earlier this year, the remains of a 17th‑century merchant ship believed to be The Fame resurfaced on a southwestern England beach after winter storms exposed the hull.

ProjectXplore organizers Leo Fielding and Dan McMullen called the find “the privilege of a lifetime” and expressed hope that their work will keep the story of HMS Tiger and its crew alive for future generations.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.