MarramWind wind farm helps solve 107-year-old maritime mystery
A shipwreck, believed to be the World War I vessel SS Tobol, has recently been discovered off the north-east coast of Scotland, solving what discoverers are calling a ‘107-year-old maritime mystery.’ The merchant vessel was identified during geophysical and environmental surveys conducted for the MarramWind offshore wind farm. ScottishPower and Shell, the companies behind the wind farm development, revealed that sonar scans were instrumental in locating the wreck.
Surveys carried out in the North Sea for what could become one of the world’s first floating offshore wind farms led to the discovery of the uncharted wreck of the Russian merchant vessel. The data, collected by sonar scans aboard the Fugro Galaxy, has pinpointed what is likely the final resting place of the SS Tobol, which was torpedoed by a German U-boat in 1917.
Historic find with modern impact
The shipwreck was one of several found during the survey of the area designated for the 3GW wind farm currently being developed by ScottishPower and Shell. The SS Tobol, a ship with a distinctive ‘turret deck’ design, was built in Sunderland around the turn of the 20th century. Initially operated as the SS Cheltenham by a steamer company, it was seized by Russian warships in 1904. In 1905, the vessel was transferred to the Russian Imperial Navy and renamed SS Tobol, after a Russian river. By 1916, it was part of the Russian Volunteer Fleet. The Tobol met its fate on 11 September 1917, when it was torpedoed by the German U-boat U-52 while en route from Blyth to Arkhangelsk.
Following its discovery, a 250-metre exclusion zone was established around the wreck, which measures 100 metres in length, 22.5 metres in width and 10.5 metres in height, and is reportedly in good condition. This precaution aims to protect the site during further MarramWind survey operations.
Significance and future impact
Colin Anderson, development manager for MarramWind, noted: “This really is an extraordinary find, given that our seabed surveys, which give us vital information about seabed conditions for MarramWind, covered around 6,000 miles. While it is common to encounter shipwrecks during such work, these are typically smaller, known vessels. Although the Tobol was known to have been torpedoed during the war, its precise location was a mystery until now.”
Anderson highlighted the significance of the discovery: “It has a fascinating story, and it would be incredible if we could uncover more about the fate of those on board. Online information suggests there were some survivors, although this hasn’t been confirmed. We also have to be mindful that the wreck could be the final resting place of crew members, and we hope our discovery can offer some closure and comfort to their families.”
Beyond the historical significance, Anderson emphasized the broader impact of the MarramWind project, stating: “This kind of archaeological discovery is an added bonus, but the wind farm itself has the potential to be transformative. It could generate enough renewable energy to power over 3.5 million homes, create jobs and support the local supply chain, all while helping transition the energy sector. MarramWind is already making history, with the Tobol’s discovery adding to that legacy.”
Toby Gane, marine and coastal cultural heritage and archaeology lead for WSP, commented on the wreck’s significance: “This discovery adds a small but important piece to the broader puzzle of marine heritage, highlighting the global nature of early 20th-century international commerce and alliances. More than a century later, thanks to MarramWind, we finally have a clearer picture of where the SS Tobol likely went down.”
Authorities, including the UK Hydrographic Office and Historic Environment Scotland, have been notified about the find. Discussions are underway to establish a long-term archaeological exclusion zone to safeguard and preserve the SS Tobol for future generations.
