LIVE German 2025 Election Results as they come in and analysi on who will be the next German Chancellor.

When are the German Elections?

The Elections are on Sunday the 23rd of Feb 2025

Why are they having a snap election?

The German coalition government failed a no confidence vote

Do Germans vote?

Germans vote in big numbers, usually as high 70+ percent voter turnout

Town battles to stop relocation of cherished World War I tank 170 miles away | News UK

Get you up to speed: Town battles to stop relocation of cherished World War I tank 170 miles away | News UK

CULTURAL HERITAGE
Residents and business owners are petitioning Ashford Borough Council to restore and retain the Mark IV tank, a historic landmark, in St George’s Square.
RESTORATION CONTroversy
Council leader Cllr Noel Ovenden stated that £1 million has been allocated for restoring Ashford’s historical assets, but public consultation will precede any decisions on the tank’s future.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION
Ashford Borough Council plans to present potential restoration options for the Mark IV tank later this year, prioritising public consultation before any final decision.

What we know so far

The future of Ashford’s historic Mark IV tank, a treasured landmark since 1919, is uncertain as plans for its restoration emerge. The tank, which sits in St George’s Square, is in a deteriorating state and may need to be relocated for repairs, sparking outrage among residents and local business owners.

Local officials have indicated that one proposal is to move the tank to The Tank Museum in Bovington, Dorset, where it could be restored. This suggestion has met with significant backlash, prompting a petition to Ashford Borough Council, advocating for the tank’s restoration and return to its original location. The petition has already garnered over 1,400 signatures.

Business owners Ayten Yilmaz and Kate Edwards, leading the petition, emphasised the tank’s importance to the town’s identity and local economy. Council leader, Cllr Noel Ovenden, stated that conversations have begun regarding protection for the tank, but assured the public that no final decisions would occur without consultation.

As the council prepares to consider potential options for the tank’s restoration later this year, the urgency for action grows. Cllr Ovenden noted that without intervention, the tank could be beyond repair in a few years, stressing that funding has been allocated for historical asset restoration yet may not cover all current needs.

Read in full

How a town is fighting plans to move its treasured World War I tank 170 miles away | News UK

Town battles to stop relocation of cherished World War I tank 170 miles away | News UK
The Mark IV tank, No 245, sits under a specially constructed cover in St George’s Square, Ashford, where is has been since 1919 (Picture: Cover Media)

It’s been a treasured landmark for 106 years, arriving at the end of World War I and taking pride of place in the town centre.

But Ashford’s rare Mark IV tank may soon be the move, much to the chagrin of residents and business owners.

The armoured vehicle, a listed landmark, is in increasingly poor condition and at risk of collapse if it is not restored.

One option would be to move it to The Tank Museum in Bovington, Dorset, where repairs could be carried out, a proposal which has caused much anger and upset.

A petition has been launched urging Ashford Borough Council to restore the tank and return it to St George’s Square.

Sign up for all of the latest stories

Business owners Ayten Yilmaz and Kate Edwards are two of the people behind the appeal, which has already attracted more than 1,400 signatures.
Miss Yilmaz, who runs By the Tank Cafe, says it is crucial the vehicle stays in Ashford.

coverimages55631752 c8c3
Ashford residents who are fighting to keep the World War I tank on display in the town centre after its restoration (Picture: Cover Media)

The 51-year-old said:’We’re trying to save the tank because it’s close to my shop and the name of my shop is “By The Tank Cafe”.

‘If it left, I would have to completely shut down because most of the people who come to visit the tank come and have a tea or coffee.”

‘It’s so emotional, people saving this country and fighting for it – it should be left for Ashford people here.’

Miss Edwards runs Kall Kwik printing business in nearby North Street. She said: ‘I had been trading in front of the tank for 25 years. Ayten and I have since become good friends, so we’re working together because we don’t want to see it go – it’s a part of Ashford with historical value.

‘It shows what everyone gave up back in the day so we want to make sure that isn’t lost forever.’

Traders said they were more determined to fight after the closure of the nearby Park Mall, which is being turned into homes.

coverimages55631748 05ec
The tank in January 1974 before construction of an awning (Cover Media)

The petition is being backed by Cllr Bill Barrett. ‘Our aim is to make sure the tank stays in the borough of Ashford,’ he said. ‘That’s why we’ve made the wording of the petition really simple.

‘We need 1,500 people to sign it as that is the threshold of verified signatures needed to debate at full council. Within two weeks we’re almost there now and we want to get to 3,000.’

The Mark IV tank, No 245, arrived in Ashford on August 1, 1919 and was driven to St George’s Square, where it remains to this day.

It was one of 265 vehicles presented by the National War Savings Committee to towns that had been particularly generous in the purchase of war bonds.

Today Ashford’s Mark IV is the only one on public outdoor display in the UK, and one of only seven survivors across the world.

coverimages55631739 14e7
By The Tank Cafe boss Ayten Yilmaz ,who is one of the organisers of the petition (Picture: Cover Media)

Among those to sign the petition are residents Phillip Lawrence, 84, and Barry Quaife, 82.

Mr Lawrence said: ‘I’m worried we’ll wake up one day and it’s just gone – that’s my biggest fear.

‘I just know the tank is a big part of Ashford, so we want to win with the petition.’

Mr Quaife added: ‘During the last year, Ashford has changed so much and it’s made me angry and sad.

‘It feels like its culture is just disappearing. I’ve even started looking at moving. At my age I don’t want to put myself through that, but at least I can make sure the tank remains here.’

coverimages55631764 1791
Cllr Bill Barrett is asking for more clarity on the future of the tank from council leaders (Picture: Cover Media)

Ashford Borough Council insists only initial conversations with tank restoration organisations have been held and no final decision will be made without public consultation.

Council leader, Cllr Noel Ovenden, said: ‘Some initial discussions have taken place in order to understand how best we can protect this nationally significant rare tank from disappearing through decay.

‘Any action taken by the council to secure the long-term survival of this nationally important asset will, out of necessity, involve consultation with the public and other significant stakeholders.

‘That said, the tank is in danger of literally falling apart – the rust has taken hold, and if nothing is done in the next five or 10 years, it will be beyond repair.

‘£1 million has been allocated towards restoring ABC’s historical assets, but the money will not cover all the previous years of neglect.

‘Potential options will be put together and at some point later this year they will all be put on the table for councillors to look at all of the options, before the public get to have their say.’

World Cup 2026 Faces Major Issues and Boycott with 50 Days Until Kick-off

Get you up to speed:

FIFA STICK/TWIST: This summer Canada and Mexico will cohost the FIFA World Cup with the United States, which, along with Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28. FIFA chief Gianni Infantino stated that Iran “has to come” to the tournament, despite uncertainty surrounding its participation.

GUN VIOLENCE: With concerns for fan safety heightened after a shooting incident near Teotihuacan, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced plans to enhance security measures ahead of the World Cup, stating, “Our obligation as a government is to take the appropriate measures to ensure that a situation like this does not happen again.” 

CALLS FOR BOYCOTT: It’s not just ‘hiked transport prices’ which has been a topic for concern around Europe, but also the he concerns from countries is the safety of the venues in America from Domestic terror attacks, with Americans with guns targeting players from countries they consider unfriendly.

Five major issues affecting the FIFA World Cup with 50 days to go

From the US-Israel war on Iran to exorbitant ticket prices and violence in host nations, here’s what’s gone wrong.

A demonstrator holds a banner that reads in Spanish 'Your World Cup it is our dispossession' during a protest against rising rents and the World Cup in Mexico City
A demonstrator holds a banner that reads in Spanish ‘Your World Cup it is our dispossession’ during a protest against rising rents and the World Cup in Mexico City, Mexico, February 27, 2026 [Fernando Llano/AP Photo]

With 50 days to go until the World Cup kicks off, FIFA and the tournament’s host nations face criticism over wide-ranging social, political and logistical issues surrounding the global event.

Canada and Mexico will cohost the tournament with the United States, which, alongside Israel, launched a war on World Cup participant nation Iran on February 28. While the war is currently under a fragile temporary ceasefire, Iran’s participation in the tournament remains uncertain.

end of list

Fans across the three host countries are in uproar over exorbitant ticket prices, which have affected sales and interest in the world’s most popular quadrennial sporting event.

Local politicians and the public have also raised concerns over the hike in transport fares on routes connecting match venues in the US.

WTX News Sport takes a look at the growing concerns in the run-up to the tournament, which begins on June 11 with the opening fixture between Mexico and South Africa:

What’s the latest on Iran’s participation in the World Cup?

Iran’s football team is preparing for the championship. However, officials say a final decision on the team’s participation will be taken by the government and the National Security Council after they review the players’ safety in the US.

Iran had said last month that it would not participate in the tournament amid the war, especially if the host nation could not guarantee players’ security. It followed a social media post from President Donald Trump, where he suggested that the Iranian team’s safety and security could not be guaranteed in the US, where Iranians are scheduled to play all their games.

The Iranian football federation then asked FIFA to relocate its games from the US to Mexico. FIFA rejected the request.

FIFA chief Gianni Infantino said last week that Iran “has to come” to the tournament.

Iran will play all their group stage matches on the US West Coast. Should they advance to the knockouts, the remaining games would also be held in the US.

Outrageous commuter fare prices in US host cities

Fans can expect to pay nearly 12 times the regular $12.90 fare for a round-trip train ride from Manhattan’s Penn Station to the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, venue of the World Cup final and seven other major fixtures.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and FIFA have chided each other on the $150 price tag for a roughly 15-minute, 14km (9-mile) ride; Sherrill said FIFA should bear the costs, while the global body hit back, saying it is not obligated to do so.

Train commutes to Gillette Stadium in Boston’s suburbs cost roughly four times the regular price ($20), while round-trip bus fares to Foxborough cost $95.

Host cities Los Angeles and Philadelphia have pledged to keep their transit fares unchanged, while Kansas City is offering a $15 round-trip fare to Arrowhead Stadium. Houston said it has added buses and train cars to serve fans but intends to keep fares at current levels: $1.25 for buses and light rail trains, and park-and-ride options ranging from $2 to $4.50.

High prices, low demand for match tickets

Sky-high ticket prices have left fans outraged at what they say is pricing that excludes supporters from the tournament. A lag in ticket sales for blockbuster matches, including hosts USA vs Paraguay, seems to be a testament to the high price tag.

FIFA put tickets on sale in December at prices ranging from $140 for Category 3 in the first round to $8,680 for the final. Later, it raised prices to as high as $10,990 when sales reopened on April 1.

The North American bid had initially promised tickets would be available for as little as $21; however, the cheapest ticket has been priced at $60. Most tickets cost at least $200 for matches involving higher-ranked teams.

FIFA announced another round of ticket sales on Wednesday to coincide with the 50-day countdown. Tickets will be available across categories 1 to 3 for all 104 matches on a first-come, first-served basis.

Pushback against immigration raids during World Cup matches

The Trump administration’s push for mass deportation and its efforts to tighten legal immigration pathways have spurred concerns about whether the World Cup’s international audience might be targeted by US immigration authorities.

Infantino was approached last week to pressure Trump to avoid immigration raids at this year’s tournament. Reporters suggested that agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) were present at last year’s FIFA Club World Cup matches, though the Trump administration denied conducting enforcement efforts.

A report by The Athletic explained that FIFA executives have framed the possibility of an immigration moratorium as a potential public relations boon for the Trump administration. It also indicated that the executives hoped Infantino would leverage his friendly relationship with Trump to assuage any immigration-related fears.

Violence in Mexico raises fears over tournament security

World Cup cohost Mexico is also under the spotlight due to concerns for fan safety after a lone attacker opened fire on tourists near the country’s capital on Monday.

The accused opened fire on top of one of the Teotihuacan pyramids — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mexico’s most frequented tourist attractions — and killed one Canadian tourist and injured 13 others.

It raised questions about security protocols taken by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government in the run-up to the global football tournament.

Sheinbaum said Mexico will beef up security ahead of the World Cup.

“Our obligation as a government is to take the appropriate measures to ensure that a situation like this does not happen again. But clearly, we all know — Mexicans know — that this is something that had not previously taken place,” she said on Tuesday.

Italian prosecutors seek negligence charges against parents of boy who killed woman

Get you up to speed: Italian prosecutors seek negligence charges against parents of boy who killed woman

Chiara Jaconis, 30, was fatally struck in Naples on September 15, 2024, by a black statuette thrown from a third-floor balcony. Italian prosecutors are seeking to charge the parents of the 13-year-old boy who threw the statuette with negligent manslaughter.

Chiara Jaconis, 30, was fatally struck by a statuette thrown from a balcony in Naples on September 15, 2024. Italian prosecutors are seeking to charge her accused assailant’s parents with negligent manslaughter, citing a lack of supervision over their son, who has a history of similar dangerous behaviours.

The parents of the 13-year-old boy accused of Chiara Jaconis’s death are demanding to be officially cleared of wrongdoing, despite facing potential charges of negligent manslaughter. A preliminary hearing to decide whether the case will go to trial is scheduled for 26th June 2024.

Tourist killed after being struck by ornament thrown from balcony | ITALY

Italian prosecutors seek negligence charges against parents of boy who killed woman
CCTV captured the moment Chiara was struck (Picture: Newsflash)

A woman on holiday in Naples was killed after being struck in the head with a heavy statuette thrown from a balcony.

Chiara Jaconis, 30, was walking with her boyfriend through the Spanish Quarters of Naples on September 15, 2024, when she was killed.

CCTV footage from a nearby cafe caught the moment Chiara collapsed, as her partner Livio screamed for help.

According to investigators, the boy threw a black statuette weighing around 4.4 pounds from a third-floor balcony, striking Chiara as she walked below.

She was rushed to the hospital with severe head injuries, but died just hours later despite emergency surgery.

Chiara Jaconis poses in undated photo. She died in Naples, Italy. (Newsflash)
Chiara was walking with her boyfriend when she was fatally injured (Picture: Newsflash)

Sign up for all of the latest stories

Now, the parents of the 13-year-old boy accused of her death have rejected blame for the boy’s behaviour and are demanding that, even though he is too young to be charged, he also be officially cleared of wrongdoing.

Italian prosecutors have requested that the boy’s mother and father be charged with negligent manslaughter, arguing the tragedy could have been prevented if they had kept a closer watch on their son.

The teenager has already been cleared by a juvenile court because he is under the age of 14 and cannot be held criminally responsible under Italian law.

A preliminary hearing to decide whether the case will go to trial is scheduled for 26th June.

Prosecutors say the parents bear responsibility because they did not supervise their son, who is believed to have carried out similar dangerous acts in the past.

Chiara Jaconis poses in undated photo. She died in Naples, Italy. (Newsflash)
Chiara worked for Prada before her death (Picture: Newsflash)

However, the couple, both professionals in Naples, aged 65 and 54, have strongly denied any wrongdoing.

Through their lawyers, they insist they had no involvement in the incident and claim the statuette did not belong to them.

They have also bizarrely appealed the court’s decision to clear their son because of his age, arguing he should be acquitted based on the facts of the case rather than simply because of his age.

The case has drawn widespread attention in Italy, raising questions about parental responsibility and safety in densely populated urban areas.

Add WTX as a Preferred Source on Google

Add as preferred source

Moldovan court sentences oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc to 19 years in prison

Moldovan court sentences oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc to 19 years in prison

Moldovan Sentencing
A court in Moldova sentenced oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc to 19 years in prison for his role in the disappearance of $1 billion from the country’s banking system.
Financial Scale
Vladimir Plahotniuc’s case involves the disappearance of $1 billion, representing approximately one-eighth of Moldova’s GDP, highlighting the significant financial implications for the country.
legal challenge
“The entire process was conducted in a tremendous rush, with numerous violations of the defendant’s rights,” said Plahotniuc’s lawyer Lucian Rogac, who plans to appeal.

Key developments

A court in Moldova sentenced oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc to 19 years in prison, linked to the 2014 disappearance of $1 billion from the nation’s banking system.

The ruling included a $60 million seizure from Plahotniuc’s accounts, according to prosecutor Alexandru Cernei, highlighting the court’s stance on financial accountability.

Moldovan oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc sentenced to 19 years in prison over $1bn fraud

Moldovan court sentences oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc to 19 years in prison

A court in Moldova sentenced oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc to 19 years in prison on Wednesday in a case linked to the disappearance of $1 billion (€850 million) from the country’s banking system.

A former businessman, lawmaker and kingpin in the Democratic Party of Moldova, Plahotniuc fled Moldova in 2019, as he faced a series of corruption charges.

That included complicity in the scheme that led to money disappearing from Moldovan banks in 2014, which at the time was equivalent to around one-eighth of the country’s GDP.

He was extradited from Greece last year, after being arrested at Athens airport under an Interpol international alert.

A Chișinău judge announced the ruling on Wednesday.

The court also ordered the seizure of some $60 million (€51 million) from Plahotniuc’s accounts, said prosecutor Alexandru Cernei after the sentencing.

Plahotniuc, 60, was not present in court on Wednesday.

He had previously dismissed the charges, calling his trial “political” and “flawed from the outset.”

His lawyer Lucian Rogac said he would appeal the decision, deeming it “clearly illegal.”

“The entire process was conducted in a tremendous rush, with numerous violations of the defendant’s rights,” Rogac said.

After Plahotniuc’s return to the country, Moldovan prosecutors had demanded 25 years in jail, the maximum provided by law, in a case linked to the disappearance of money from three banks in 2014.

They accused Plahotniuc of forming and leading a criminal organisation, fraud and money laundering on a particularly large scale.

The influential businessman and politician was added to a US State Department sanctions list in 2022 for alleged corruption.

The charges included controlling the country’s law enforcement to target political and business rivals and meddling in Moldova’s elections.

He was added to a UK sanctions list in 2022 and barred from entering the country. His assets were frozen in Britain and its overseas territories.

Plahotniuc was accused of involvement in pro-Russian political campaigns and efforts to derail Moldova’s pro-EU course.

Woman discovered deceased as armed police raid flats; man detained for ‘murder’

Get you up to speed: Woman discovered deceased as armed police raid flats; man detained for ‘murder’

MURDER CHARGE
Stephan Garner, 31, has been charged with murder following the death of Amber O’Brien, 33, at a tower block on Broadmoss Drive, Blackley.
MURDER CHARGE
Stephan Garner, 31, has been remanded in custody following his murder charge related to the death of Amber O’Brien in Blackley, as confirmed by GMP.
MURDER CHARGE
Stephan Garner, 31, has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Manchester & Salford Magistrates’ Court on 22 April 2026.

What we know so far

A man has been charged with murder following the death of a woman at a tower block in Manchester. Amber O’Brien, 33, was declared dead at the scene on Broadmoss Drive, Blackley, at around 6pm on Sunday.

Stephan Garner, 31, was arrested at the location on suspicion of murder. Neighbours reported seeing armed police respond to the incident, while tributes poured in for Ms O’Brien, highlighting her vibrant personality.

Garner has been remanded in custody and is set to appear at Manchester & Salford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Greater Manchester Police confirmed the charges relate to the incident that occurred on April 19, 2026.

In the wake of the tragedy, friends and family have expressed their sorrow on social media, describing Ms O’Brien as “a beautiful woman gone far too soon.”

Read in full

Woman found dead after armed police storm flats with man arrested for ‘murder’ | News UK

Woman found dead after armed police storm flats with man arrested for 'murder'
Amber O’Brien, 33, was declared dead at the scene on Broadmoss Drive, Blackley, at around 6pm on Sunday (Picture: ASP/Facebook)

A man has been charged with murder after a woman was found dead at a tower block in Manchester.

Amber O’Brien, 33, was declared dead at the scene on Broadmoss Drive, Blackley, at around 6pm on Sunday.

Neighbours reported seeing armed police storming into the block as part of the emergency response.

Stephan Garner, 31, was arrested there on suspicion of murder.

Following Ms O’Brien’s death, tributes have been posted on social media from friends and loved ones.

Sign up for all of the latest stories

One read: ‘A beautiful woman gone far too soon. A smile that could light up any room, a laugh so loud it made you laugh. A gorgeous girl, a beautiful soul. You will be sorely missed.’

Amber O'Brien was found dead at the scene in Blackley (Picture: Facebook)
Amber O’Brien was found dead at the scene in Blackley (Picture: Facebook)
Somerton Court, Broadmoss Drive, Blackley - 19 April 2026: A block of flats in Blackley has been taped off this evening after a woman has been murdered. Somerton Court in Blackley was swarming with emergency services including armed officers with there weapons drawn after the ordeal. Officers have confirmed a male has been arrested in response to the woman's death. Police say there is no wider threat to the public. Specialist trauma doctors from the Air Ambulance land team also attended the scene.
Police forensics officers at the scene (Picture: ASP)
Somerton Court, Broadmoss Drive, Blackley - 19 April 2026: A block of flats in Blackley has been taped off this evening after a woman has been murdered. Somerton Court in Blackley was swarming with emergency services including armed officers with there weapons drawn after the ordeal. Officers have confirmed a male has been arrested in response to the woman's death. Police say there is no wider threat to the public. Specialist trauma doctors from the Air Ambulance land team also attended the scene.
Residents had reported seeing armed police enter the tower block (Picture: ASP)

Another tribute said: ‘What a beautiful girl inside and out, u was always the best person towards anyone n everyone no matter what.’

A statement issued by GMP said: ‘Stephan Garner, of Blackley, has been charged with murder following the death of a woman at the weekend.

‘He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Manchester & Salford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

‘These charges relate to an incident on Broadmoss Drive, Blackley, on Sunday, April 19, 2026.’

Spain uncovers shipwreck graveyard with over 130 vessels near Algeciras

Get you up to speed: Spain uncovers shipwreck graveyard with over 130 vessels near Algeciras

Archaeologists have discovered a shipwreck graveyard with more than 130 sunken vessels off the coast of southern Spain, part of a three-year investigation led by the University of Cádiz. The discoveries span from the fifth century BC to World War Two, including vessels such as Roman ships and the late 18th-century Spanish gunboat Puente Mayorga IV.

Archaeologists from the University of Cádiz have discovered over 130 shipwrecks in the Bay of Algeciras, with five major vessels dating from the Punic era through to World War Two identified. Felipe Cerezo Andreo stated that these wrecks are at risk due to “port expansion, dredging and construction, as well as the effects of climate change,” including rising sea levels and invasive algae spreading.

The team from the University of Cádiz has documented 34 of the 134 shipwrecks identified during their investigation in the Bay of Algeciras, with further discoveries expected. However, they have warned that many archaeological sites face risks from port expansion, dredging, and climate change effects.

1,500-year-old shipwreck graveyard of 134 vessels is found off the coast of Gibraltar | News World

coverimages55630127 e532
The outline of ones of the wrecks seen from in the Bay of Algeciras (Picture: Alejandro Manas/Cover Images/Cover Media)

Archaeologists have discovered a shipwreck graveyard with more than 130 sunken vessels off the coast of southern Spain.

The finds, in the water between the port city of Algeciras and the Rock of Gibraltar span a period from the fifth century BC to World War Two.

Over the centuries, the bay has claimed a wide range of vessels, from Roman ships to more modern British and Spanish ships.

The discoveries form part of a three-year investigation led by the University of Cádiz, which has identified 151 archaeological sites in the bay, including 134 shipwrecks. So far, 34 of those wrecks have been documented in detail.

coverimages55630137 6e91
Researchers diving to examine one of the wrecks, which date from the fifth century BC to the Second World War i(Picture: Felipe Cerezo Andreo/Cover Media)

coverimages55630132 af83
The team use a suction hose to clean away sediment (Picture: Felipe Cerezo Andreo/Cover Media)

Sign up for all of the latest stories

The oldest remains are a Punic-era vessel dating back to the fifth century BC,with 23 Roman ships, two from the late Roman period, four medieval vessels, and 24 from the early modern era found.

Felipe Cerezo Andreo, an archaeology professor at the University of Cádiz and lead investigator of the Project Herakles initiative, believes the preponderance of wrecks is due to its status as such an important maritime route between the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

‘The bay of Algeciras and the Strait of Gibraltar have been and still are strategic places for navigation,’ the authors, led by Andreo, write in their paper.

coverimages55630131 9c7b
An intriguing box that was found in the wreck of the 18th-century Spanish gunboat Puente Mayorga IV (Picture: Felipe Cerezo Andreo/Cover Media)

coverimages55630125 631c
One of the wrecks can be seen as a dark outline under the surface just a few metres from the shore (Picture: Alejandro Manas/Cover Images/Cover Media)

‘Their status as a communication route between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, as well as between Europe and Africa, has made them a landscape of great importance for maritime history at an international level.’

One of the most notable finds is the wreck of the Puente Mayorga IV, a small Spanish gunboat from the late 18th century.

Such vessels were used for fast, covert attacks on British warships near Gibraltar, often disguising themselves as fishing boats before revealing their weapons.

coverimages55630128 0f93
The team has so far only documented 34 of the 134 shipwrecks, with many finds to come (Picture: Felipe Cerezo Andreo/Cover Media)

The team has warned that many of the sites are at risk from port expansion, dredging and construction, as well as the effects of climate change.

Rising sea levels are altering sediment layers and exposing remains, while invasive algae is spreading across wrecks.

Comment now

Comments

Add WTX as a Preferred Source on Google

Add as preferred source

LIVE German 2025 Election