DRAMATIC images of the world’s first steam-powered submarine - which was built in Wirral - have been released for the first time after it was abandoned and sank 50 feet beneath the sea 115 years ago.

Scuba divers from the British Sub-Aqua Club in Chester have told its story in a TV documentary filmed at Woodside Ferry terminal where a replica of the submarine stands.

In 1880 after a successful trial in the Great Float and Egerton Docks at Wallasey and Birkenhead, it set off for Portsmouth where it was to be demonstrated to the Royal Navy as the latest in Victorian naval technology.

The wreck of the Resurgam was lost after shipping water and sinking around five miles off the coast of North Wales but was found again beneath the waves in Rhyl in 1995.

Set to air on the H2 channel in the spring, the documentary series Combat Ships from Woodcut Media will explore how technology transformed naval warfare from across Europe and America.

Justin Owen, a diver from Chester, has released a gallery of pictures showing frogmen exploring the wreck along with rare video footage.

Dave Parry, Chester Sub-Aqua Club’s diving officer, said: “We filmed the interview for the documentary at Woodside Ferry Terminal where there is a permanent replica model of Resurgam on the quayside.

“It’s a really interesting wreck that’s now covered in wildlife.

"If the wreck was raised it might not survive and it would be a shame to remove it as all the wildlife would die or need to move."

The name Resurgam means "I shall rise again" in Latin.

Following successful trials at Wallasey she set off under her own power for Portsmouth where she was to be demonstrated to the Royal Navy.

However she developed mechanical problems and docked at Rhyl for repairs.

“They set off in high winds and late at night, being towed by a tender ship called the Elphin which developed her own mechanical problems and the Resurgam crew transferred to the Elphin to help," added Dave.

“The trouble was the Resurgam hatch couldn’t be secured from the outside and the submarine began to ship water, causing the tow rope to break under the strain of the additional weight."

And the result was the Resurgam went down, sinking somewhere off the Rhyl coast.

It is designated a Protected Wreck meaning it can only legally be dived with permission from the Welsh Government.