Receiver of Wreck Veronica Robbins 2001

Receiver of Wreck, Veronica Robbins, with a collection of 17th Century treasure recovered from Devon coastal waters, at the British Museum, London, launching a national 3 month wreck amnesty. * Under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, all wreck material found in British waters must be reported to the Receiver of Wreck who investigates if the wreck has an owner. If the item is not claimed by the owner after one year, it generally stays with the finder. It is hoped the amnesty will encourage members of the public, who are perhaps ignorant of the law, to come forward and report past finds without worrying about being prosecuted. 16/04/01: A German U-boat lavatory is among the treasures found during a unique amnesty for unregistered wreck finds, it was disclosed. Divers or beachcombers are being allowed to hand in undersea artefacts to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency without fear of prosecution. The three-month grace period has led to a flood of unusual items such as chamber pots and bells from sunken ships. The finds, which it is a legal requirement to report, can also be dangerous, with many shell cases and bullets requiring removal. The treasure shown was purchased by the British Museum for 99,000, and currently on display in the Coins & Medals Department. The amnesty finishes on April 24 2001.