In World War I, the Netherlands was neutral. Yet the North Sea was not without danger. Three Royal Navy ships perished in mine operations. Many more died in fishing and merchant shipping as a result of mines or when ships were stopped by the German navy on suspicion of contraband or espionage.

Both German and Allied surface ships and submarines remained at sea. Often, a wreck site remained unknown.

Work is underway on an inventory of war wrecks. These will be displayed on the Maritime Stepping Stones website.