 The original Shipwreck Index of the British Isles was a wonderful resource, but this interactive electronic version is going to be even more
valuable. It would be superb if funding could be found to enable this valuable resource to be available for free access via the WWW. 
Christopher Dobbs, Maritime Archaeologist, Mary Rose Trust
I've followed the developments of Shipwrecks UK closely and have been able to study the resource at first hand. I have long experience of shipwrecks from diving-related perspectives: Shipwrecks UK adds a unique window into their context, revealing patterns and themes that add another layer of interest. It stimulates questions and answers them; with more than 50,000 wrecks included, the fusion of wreck events and ships and their crews is really brought alive. I certainly found that it expanded my appreciation of British Isles' maritime heritage. At the same time, the underlying tragedies of so many of the events are very real.
Alan Jones has done an impressively good job in building on the entirety of the Shipwreck Index volumes - which form its core - both technically and in the many years of research in which he has expanded and improved the content so much and so successfully.
There are hopes that the resource could one day be sponsored to make it widely available. In the meantime, put your research queries to Alan and he'll use the resource to ensure you get very good value for money.
Tony Hoile, ex-BSAC National Diving Officer, ex-professional educator, and retired diveboat skipper (Falcon of Dart Diving Charters)
We are many and worldwide. Everyone is delighted with the information you provided. Your info was the missing link we required in our search to find out and understand the fate of our Great-Great-Grandfather. So Thank You for a wonderful site.
The Sullivan family, July 2021
This visual database represents the future in the analysis
of shipping losses and shipwrecks. The ability to make cross-comparisons
and search in almost unlimited ways is of inestimable value to divers,
researchers, historians, genealogists, and anyone with even the
remotest interest in our maritime past.
Innes McCartney, Shipwreck historian, broadcaster, author, pioneer Trimix diver, licensee of Historic Wreck, member of NAS
Quotes from Dava Sobel and Sir Arnold Wolfendale following demonstrations at the Tercentenary commemorations, in October 2007, of the HMS Association loss.
More than 44,000 shipwrecks have been recorded in the waters
around Great Britain and Ireland, representing the whole span of
maritime history, from ancient to modern times. Now, SHIPWRECKS
UK offers a unique computerized tool for exploring and comparing
all these past disasters, so that new insights into their significance
can be gained by historians, archaeologists, divers, researchers,
students, and amateur enthusiasts. SHIPWRECKS UK is an admirably
detailed resource, sophisticated yet friendly, and as engrossing
as any video entertainment.
Dava Sobel, best-selling author [of "Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time" and (Sep 2011) "A More Perfect Heaven: How Copernicus Revolutionised the Cosmos"] - 22nd October 2007 
This database is a 'must' for both us, as an
Island race, and also for the wider international community. The
historical aspects of 'shipwrecks' are of increasing interest, not
least from progress in techniques of navigation where (alas for
me!) astronomical methods failed but horology came to the rescue,
in the form of John Harrison, the self-taught clockmaker. Funding
must surely be found for this resource.
Sir Arnold Wolfendale FRS, 14th Astronomer Royal - 22nd October 2007
More quotes from reviewers and information recipients
The NAS demonstration of Shipwrecks UK has convinced me that it has the potential to revolutionise maritime research.
The value for research is already stunning. The ability to abstract trends and comparisons instantly saves literally years of work.
Mike Williams, Senior Law Lecturer, Wolverhampton University. Member
of the Nautical Archaeological Society Executive and the Joint Nautical
Archaeological Policy Committee.
Shipwrecks UK provided a very detailed account of the loss of LCT-427, on which a relative of mine died immediately after D-Day in 1944. I was impressed by their services and was very happy to make a contribution to their ongoing work. Steve Gerard - family genealogical research - March 2010.
The new Shipwrecks UK database is a tremendously useful
tool for professionals, recreational divers and for all those with
an interest in maritime history. This is an easy to use, intuitive
digital resource, whose search functions and cross referencing capabilities
can place our history into broad context at the touch of a few keys.
Suzanne Pleydell - Group Manager, Education & Instructor Development,
PADI International Ltd, and member of the UK Government's Advisory
Committee on Historic Wreck Sites.
Thank you so very much for your excellent work on the loss of the KELSO.
Mrs Susan Cheetham - family genealogical research
Shipwrecks UK was an important resource in my being able
to fill in missing details of a family member's life.
Robert Dunne, Dublin - family genealogical research
This type of database is exactly what we would need in our work. It looks extremely useful and gives a digital dimension to the already
excellent Shipwreck Index.
Sophia Exelby, Receiver of Wreck
This does all the things it should do as a major tool for the serious wreck researcher, and much more beyond. At the same time it is so easy
to use and presents information so clearly that it should be ideal for use in schools.
Peter Holt, Project Surveyor for the Mary Rose Trust, 3H Survey Consulting Ltd, Systems Designer for Sonardyne International Ltd
Reviewers' Comments regarding the original Shipwreck Index Volumes (now comprehensively incorporated into the Shipwrecks UK resource, updated and expanded)
As a prelude to searching for known shipwrecks, or trying to identify wrecks which have been located, proper and thorough research is essential. This will reap huge benefits in wreck identification as well as saving time and money. An excellent starting point, particularly for the inexperienced or occasional researcher, is to consult the series of volumes titled `Shipwreck Index to the British Isles` by Richard and Bridget Larn. These volumes are the result of what must have been a monumental effort to collate wreck information from a huge number of sources. What is important is they contain the names of lost ships, their date of loss and location, recorded with such accuracy as was reported at the time of loss. From these starting points, the researcher has a substantial head start, since the most vital leads for further research are there. The Indexes should form part of every wreck researcher`s library.
David Wendes, Charter skipper, dive boat Wight Spirit, diver, researcher and author of 'South Coast Shipwrecks off East Dorset & Wight 1870-1979.'
The Shipwreck Index is always my first port of call when I am investigating an unknown wreck. It has been invaluable in ascertaining the identity of dozens of wrecks I have been able to put a name to. One of the latest was SS Edam, investigated and named in 2007 and now recognized as an important part of Dutch maritime history.
Nick Chipchase, Trimix diver and steamship researcher.
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