Portsmouth: Divers try to solve mystery of 100-year-old shipwreck

A diving operation is under way to find out the identity of a ship that sank 100 years ago. Led by Riley Conway, a member of the Nautical Archaeology Society's Sub-Aqua Club, the archaeology project is taking place in Portsmouth's Langstone Harbour. The wreck is believed to be the dredging vessel Withern, which sank in 1926, but its identity has never been confirmed. Conway said: "This project is about more than just a wreck. It's about uncovering a piece of Portsmouth's history that's been lost for 100 years and sharing it with the community." The wreck's identity is a source of mystery because another dredger, the Witham, sank nearby in 1912 under similar circumstances. Both vessels were lost on their moorings in the harbour. Scuba divers took part in investigations at the site on Thursday and Friday and are expected to return in July and August. The cost of the operation is supported by a Portsmouth City Council grant as part of the Portsmouth 100 programme. The scheme is securing funding for projects to "celebrate pride in Portsmouth" as part of the city's celebrations to mark its centenary. The sub-aqua club's team carrying out the diving investigations called the wreck's stor