- Hurd's Deep
Hurd's Deep (or "Hurd Deep") is a deep underwater valley in the
English Channel , north west of the Channel Islands, at position 49 degrees 30 minutes North, 3 degrees 34 minutes West. From marine navigational charts, the maximum depth is 172 metres, and lies to the north of the isle ofAlderney . It is most probable that it was named after Captain Thomas Hurd RN. by Admiral Martin White (born at Hayling Island, 1779). Admiral Martin White was one of the outstanding hydrographers of the 19th century, He spend nearly forty years painstakingly surveying the English Channel to the west of the Cherbourg peninsula, the Irish Sea and Bristol Channel and other waters south of Ireland. Captain Thomas Hurd had on more than one occasion lavished fine words on Admiral White...."It is unnecessary for me to express the particular satisfaction I feel, when works such as yours come into my possession, & most devoutly do I wish for the sake of public service, as well as my own satisfaction, That all my Naval correspondents were as gifted as yourself ...".Captain Thomas Hurd RN 1820
Following the First World War Hurd's Deep was used by the British Government as a dumping ground for both chemical and conventional munitions. Following the Second World War it was used to dump military equipment, munitions and weaponry left behind by the ousted German invaders of the Channel Islands.
Routine dumping of British munitions carried on until 1974.
Between 1946 and 1973 the area was also used for the dumping of low and intermediate level radioactive wastes. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/1766365.stm Nuclear dumping leak sparks concern] ] [ [http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/media/press-releases/thousands-of-radioactive-waste-barrels-rusting-away-on-the-seabed Thousands of radioactive waste barrels rusting] ]
Hurd's Deep is the final resting place of HMS "Affray" which sank in 1951 [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/april/17/newsid_2847000/2847935.stm1951: Fears for crew of lost British submarine] ] .
References
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