WRECK AMNESTY COMING TO END

An amnesty offered by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) that has allowed divers, beachcombers, fishermen and museums to come forward with undeclared artefacts without fear of prosecution is about to end.

The MCA's Southampton headquarters saw 500 reports a day coming in.

Among the haul were the toilet from a German U-boat, along with a toilet roll holder, several chamber pots and a pair of white lace knickers.

Cannons, muskets and ammunition have been reported and while most items have been completely safe, explosives experts have dealt some with of them. In one case someone had 89 live and unstable shells removed from their home.

Portholes, lead ingots, coins - including pieces of eight, jewellery, silverware, crockery and bottles of perfume and alcohol are some of the other items handed in.

Some reports, could be of significant historical interest, and some may lead to previously unknown wrecks. The receiver finds out whether the wreck is owned and allows the owner a year to claim the goods. After that they are usually left with the finder unless they are of historic interest.