What follows is a press statement from Coiste an Asgard regarding the divers who retrieved items from the wreck of the Asgard II
"The wreck of Asgard II is lying on the sea-bed, 21 miles from the French Island of Belle Ille in the Bay of Biscay, in 83 meters of water.
"Neither the Minister, nor the Board of Coiste an Asgard has granted any person, company or organisation permission to dive on or retrieve any artefacts from the Vessel. If any items have been removed from the Vessel, Coiste an Asgard would expect the items to be returned.
"Due to the condition of the wreck and in particular due to the tangle of masts and rigging at the site and mindful of the depth at which she is lying, the Board feel that any attempt to dive on the wreck represents an unacceptable level of danger to any person involved.
"At the time of the sinking, due to the superb seamanship of the Crew, no loss of life or injury occurred. The Minister and the Board cannot countenance permitting any person being put at risk in or around the wreck of Asgard II. The Board is continuing to monitor the situation with the assistance of the French authorities."
Raise the Asgard - Afloat's 2008 online petition
