Divers who looted artefacts from sunken German warships sentenced

Divers Robert Infante and Gordon Meek committed the offences at Scapa Flow, Orkney, where a number of German ships have lain on the seabed since they were scuttled in June 1919.

Between the 8th and 12th of October 2012 the men removed items from vessels including the battleships SMS Markgraf and SMS Kronprinz Wilhelm. These ships, along with the other five wrecks, have been designated as scheduled monuments since 2001.

One of the divers was seen bringing the items aboard their boat by someone nearby and police were later alerted.

Following a later search of a vehicle owned by Mr Meek, a number of the artefacts they had removed were discovered.

Speaking following the sentencing, Andrew Laing, procurator fiscal for Grampian, Highlands and Islands said: “For a number of decades now Scapa Flow has been one of Europe’s top attractions for sports divers with the wrecks being of great significance to our heritage and the local community.

“They have lain on the sea bed for nearly 100 years and the vast majority of those visiting have treated them with the respect they deserve.

“It is vitally important that there are laws in place to protect such important sites and as with this case where there is sufficient evidence of a crime and if it is appropriate and in the public interest to do so, we will prosecute.”