1920s yacht wreck found in lake

It was found by diver Steve Carmichael Timson who was using high-tech sonar equipment. The boat is thought to be a motorised yacht from the 1920s.

Ian Bearfoot, of the Nautical Archaeological Society, said the vessel appeared to be in "pristine condition".

He said he hoped that a museum can now be found to cover the cost of raising the boat and preserving it for display.

Mr Bearfoot said: "It is quite an unusual find from our perspective.

"It was lying on the silty bottom in virtually pristine condition. I've not seen the site but have seen some video which is very impressive.

Built locally

"We hope to do a diver's survey measuring the vessel's length and breadth and also have a look at the fittings on the vessel which seem complete."

Mr Bearfoot said the boat was in such good condition because it was in fresh, not sea, water.

He added: "Fresh water doesn't have such a disastrous effect on wood, but in the sea there are marine worm which love to attack wood.

"For the time being the boat will be left where it is, because if it was brought up now it would deteriorate very quickly in the air."

It is believed the boat was built locally and experts will be consulting local records to try and identify it.

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The Nautical Archaeological Society
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