Foto's van Sealand (juni 2006)

Sealand was founded as a sovereign Principality in 1967 in international waters, six miles off the eastern shores of Britain.

Bates family (foto Theo Dencker, 1984)

In late June of 2006, the island suffered a devastating fire which destroyed much of the country's administrative centre and the main power generation facility which serves its population and industries. Fortunately, back-up systems exist which permit its activities to continue but the disaster has compromised significantly the quality of life of its inhabitants and the continued development of the island's economic and social growth.
It was the first time there had been a fire in the chequered history of the 932 sq yard mini-state, which was founded in 1967, and has been home to pirate radio stations and more recently an internet company.