The project centres on a British minesweeper HMS Cato (J16), sunk off the Normandy beaches on D-Day.

HMS Cato and her sister ships HMS Magic (J400) and Pylades (J401) were Catherine Class minesweepers conducting mine clearance duties to protect the fleet on the Eastern beaches of JUNO and SWORD. HMS Cato sank on 6 July 1944 whilst searching for survivors of her sister ship HMS Magic.

Just two days later another sister ship HMS Pylades also sank.

There is conflicting information about the cause of all three ship losses, namely whether by mine or torpedo possibly from the German Neger or Biber human torpedo weapons. Whilst the wrecks of HMS Magic and Pylades are known, the primary aim of this project conducted by a team of divers from Southsea Sub-Aqua Club, is to locate and survey the wreck of HMS Cato.

A wreck, identified as being HMS Cato does exist in the area. However, the dimensions and appearance of this wreck cast some doubt as to its true identity. Two charted wrecks exist relatively close by that could be HMS Cato and if time and conditions allow these will also be investigated.