In 2006, divers salvaged the huge bronze eagle with the swastika at its base from the waters off the Uruguayan capital. It's the swastika that is causing the trouble. The German government, as represented by its ambassador in Uruguay, is opposed to the display of the eagle with the Nazi cross. Germany, understandably enough, is sensitive about the ultimate symbol of National Symbolism. Public display of it is generally illegal in Germany although exceptions are made for historical and educational purposes.
There now seems to be some uncertainty about the ownership of the eagle. Germany believes the ship to be part of its cultural heritage. According to Uruguayan law, sunken ships predating 1973 in their waters are generally considered property of the Uruguayan state. Uruguayan businessman Alfredo Etchegaray has the rights to salvage the wreck and he doesn't believe that Germany even has the right to express an opinion on the matter. He points out that Germany has its own share of historical relics from other countries, including the head of Nefertiti which Egypt would very much like back. Uruguayan newspaper El Pais notes that Germany contributes money to the preservation of concentration camp Auschwitz, in modern-day Poland.
According to Wikipedia, earlier this decade there were plans to raise Graf Spee, restore her to original condition, and turn her into a tourist attraction. This work was apparently suspended by Presidential decree. While the idea of refloating and restoring the wreck seems far-fetched, I think that I would feel almost compelled to visit if the project ever came to fruition. Other German World War II vessels have been turned into tourist attractions, and the wreck of Graf Spee is not a war grave. Nevertheless, the technical challenges of restoring a ship sunk seventy years ago in shallow seawater would be extraordinary.
Via Alterdestiny.
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