Facebook Marketplace Treasure: Diver's £300 Shipwreck Purchase Makes Waves
The Unlikely Online Find
In an unforeseeable twist, Dom Robinson, a British diver and project manager from Plymouth, stumbled upon history on Facebook Marketplace. The SS Almond Branch—a 3,300-ton cargo ship sunk by a German torpedo during World War I near Cornwall—was listed for sale at the modest price of £300. According to The Jerusalem Post, its previous owner had vainly sought riches in the form of salvageable goods decades earlier.
Diving into Ownership
Robinson’s passion for shipwrecks propelled him to purchase the remnants, symbolizing more than mere rusted iron. “It’s extraordinary to dive a wreck with a sense of ownership,” he reflected. His dreams now include finding the ship’s elusive bell, a treasure that, if uncovered, must be reported to the Receiver of Wreck for a choice to keep it.
A Legacy Lost to the Sea
Launched in 1896 and tragically claimed by the Atlantic, the SS Almond Branch has lain undisturbed until Robinson’s venture. His previous visits ignited a desire to thoroughly explore this submerged relic.
Legal Waters Ahead
Professor Jason Lowther highlighted the complexities and responsibilities tied to owning underwater artifacts, noting, “The owner is liable for damages, devoid of negligence.” Yet, Robinson is prepared, his purchase fully verified by the Receiver of Wreck. In the UK, such acquisitions are legal, though dependent on strict regulation and reporting.
An Enthusiast’s Dream
Robinson, well-versed in shipwreck history, has unearthed up to 25 other wrecks and is an eager storyteller on YouTube. Despite legal intricacies, his enthusiasm for delving into maritime adventures remains intact. In the coming months, he anticipates immersing deeper into the SS Almond Branch’s story, a vibrant testament to his relentless exploration zeal.
Robinson’s odyssey stands as a testament to the hidden tales beneath the waves, tantalizingly awaiting discovery and echoing bygone eras through rust and relics. As he embarks on this new chapter, his journey reveals an intimate portrait of passion melding with history’s haunting allure.
