The wreck of a First World War submarine has been successfully moved in the Dover Strait.

The UB38 had lain in the same place off the coast of Folkestone for 90 years but had recently been identified as a potential risk to shipping to due to increasingly deeper draught vessels.

The wreck, a UB38, lay at a depth of 23.5 metres. The minimum clearance depth needed is 26.5 metres.

The General Lighthouse Authority for England and Wales Trinity House was responsible for moving the wreck to its new position south of the Varne Sandbank.

Executive chairman Jeremy de Halpert said: “Over recent years there has been a noticeable increase in the number of deep draught vessels using the south-west bound lane of the Dover Strait.

“We have a statutory duty to ensure that waterways within our area of responsibility remain safely navigable.

“We consulted with all concerned parties and concluded that the best course of action available to us was the relocation of the wreck.”

There were some concerns about moving the ship because although it is not officially a war grave the remains of the submarine’s 28 crewman are still on board.

After discussions with the German government Trinity House made certain that all proper protocals were observed.