The Wirral-built Resurgam - the world’s first steam powered submarine which sank on its maiden voyage - is to take a starring role in a new TV documentary.
Dramatic underwater images of the final resting place of the vessel, plus a video of the wreck, have also been released for the first time.
The Resurgam sank on its maiden voyage from Wallasey in 1880. A replica of the submarine stands on the quayside of the Woodside ferry terminal in Birkenhead, where scenes for the documentary were also filmed.
Scuba divers from the British Sub-Aqua Club in Chester, who have responsibility for preserving the historic wreck of the Resurgam, will tell its fascinating story in the 10-part History Channel series Combat Ships, about how technology transformed naval warfare.
The wreck of the Resurgam, whose name means “I will rise again” in Latin, was lost for 115 years until it was found 50ft beneath the waves off the coast of Rhyl.
Scuba diver and underwater heritage expert Chris Holden, from Chester Sub-Aqua Club, is one of two licence holders of the Resurgam, which means he has responsibility for helping to protect the wreck.
The 45 ft (13m) submarine was built in Birkenhead in 1879 and cost about £1,400. Steam powered and large enough to carry three sailors, it was designed to be able to approach an enemy vessel by stealth.
In 1880, after a successful trial in the Great Float and Egerton docks at Wallasey and Birkenhead, it set off for Portsmouth where it was to be demonstrated to the Royal Navy as the latest in Victorian naval technology.
After stopping at Rhyl for modifications, she continued her journey, before shipping water and sinking around five miles off the coast of the North Wales resort.
Chris Holden said: “It’s my responsibility to protect the wreck and ensure no one dives on it without permission.
“Other divers can apply to have their names added to the licence, and I have no problem with that so long as they follow the rules and help protect it. It isn’t dived on very regularly as the weather isn’t always too kind.”
Dave Parry, Chester Sub-Aqua Club’s diving officer, said: “It’s a really interesting wreck that’s now covered in wildlife. There are a huge number of crabs, dead men’s finger anemones, lobsters and the odd conger eel and shoals of fish living around it.
“If the wreck was raised it might not survive and it would be a shame to remove it as all the wildlife would die or need to move.”
Justin Owen, who took the underwater photos and video, said: “It is great to have the opportunity to dive on something that’s completely unique. It’s an archaological relic and a lot of people don’t know it’s right on their doorstep.
“It’s quite a challenging dive as the site is exposed to the tides and bad weather and the visibility can be very poor. So it’s important to be able to record what is down there, so people can see it for themselves and learn more about it.”