Credi-Bull #10

Credi-Bull - a news item that might be fact, or might be fiction.

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When playing, please avoid definitive answers like "I know this is true, I saw it on the news last night." Instead, couch your vote as a "guess" - this will help ensure that everyone gets an unbiased chance to play!
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During World War II, the 'HM Fort Roughs' was constructed - a floating island. The fort was towed to international waters and its pontoon base was intentionally flooded. It sank to a resting place on the sandbar.
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In 1967, the fort was invaded by Paddy Roy Bates, who ejected a squatter group and claimed sovereignty on what he now called Sealand. Since then, Sealand's claims of sovereignty encompass the area of Roughs Tower and surrounding territorial waters.

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In the late 70's while Bates was away, the Prime Minister of Sealand and several others staged a coup, holding Bates' son Michael captive. Bates enlisted armed assistance and retook the fort in a helicopter assault. He then held the invaders captive as prisoners of war before eventually releasing them - after insisting that at least one man pay a ransom.

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Real or Fake?

(Vote in the 'comments' section, answer to be revealed Monday).