m/s Pilsudski (Wreck)

 Second World War 1939-1945, shipwreck

14,294-ton twin-screw Polish liner converted by Admiralty to troopship at start of WWII, built 1935. 526ft x 70ft. 2516hp diesel engines. Armed: AA guns. Cargo: In ballast, Tyne for Australia. Position: 53 45.75N; 00 45.67E. Depth: 33m.
Sunk: 26 November, 1939 after striking German mine 25 miles off Withernsea. 10 crew lost, with ship captain M. Stankiewicz (he was buried with full military honours in Hartlepool near Middlesbrough. He was posthumously awarded with the Virtuti Militari, the highest Polish military decoration, and the British Distinguished Service Cross).
Diving: Biggest Yorkshire wreck. Bow section 9m proud, broken off and listing 45¡ to port. Embossed letters of name on starboard side. Three decks to explore - with care. Stern upright, but more broken, 5m proud. Both props buried in shingle. Beware very strong currents on seabed and overfalls above.
Launch: Hull; Bridlington; Scarborough.