This picture shows a more than 100-year-old torpedo that was recovered from the sea in Weihai, in the Chinese Province of Shandong.
The Weihai Public Security Bureau in Shandong Province reported on 17th October that a cylindrical object found washed up off the coast of Xiaoyao Bay was identified as a late Qing Dynasty torpedo from the Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895).
The first practical torpedoes were invented in the 19th century by Robert Whitehead, an English engineer who developed the self-propelled torpedo in 1866 for the Austrian Navy.
The invention revolutionised naval warfare as it allowed ships to launch underwater attacks from a distance.
After a citizen alerted the police, authorities quickly secured the area and contacted experts from the Chinese Sino-Japanese War Museum.
The corroded artefact, which bore serial numbers and caused concern as it also resembled an old torpedo, was recovered and officially preserved after being made safe by the museum.
The museum presented certificates of recognition to both the local police and Zhang for their efforts in safeguarding this important historical relic on 14th October.
To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below. Story By: Basant Essam, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: AsiaWire Report
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