The wreck of a First World War submarine has been successfully moved south of the Varne Sandbank from its position off the coast of Folkestone.

The UB38, first thought to be a UB33, had been in the same place on the sea bed for 90 years, but had been identified as a potential risk to shipping coming down the Dover Strait due to increasingly deeper draught vessels.

The wreck was 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 moved the wreck.

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.

“It was essential the clearance depth in this section of the Dover Strait was increased and this could only be achieved by lifting the wreck from the sea bed and repositioning it approximately one nautical mile to the east, an area which is clear of the deep draught vessels route and in a greater depth of water.”

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 were still on board.

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

The UB38 sank on April 11, 1918, after it collided with a mine, taking 28 crewmen with it.