Welcome to Sealand, the world’s smallest state | 60 Minutes
Sealand, an offshore platform off England's coast, is the world’s smallest state. It has just one permanent resident and its own royal family.
#news #Sealand #60Minutes
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Sealand should host the world cup.
World Cup of Foosball maybe.
It's the size of two tennis courts so it's just right to host Wimbledon.
Or the World Series...
The Olympics!
@@stephencabrera9476All of it underwater?
You forgot to mention that in a court case in England regarding Sealand the judge ruled that Sealand was in international waters and therefore the UK Government had no jurisdiction over it.
Not quite. The court case ruled that the structure was in international waters and that British gun laws didn’t apply to it. It’s no longer in international waters. It’s legal status is incredibly fun. But it’s not a state and will probably never be recognized as one. Could that change? Yep.
no@@patrickgomes2213
Just do what the Chinese are doing and build a artificial island next to it.
how could it be an international waters in the past but not now? The international agreement on that change in a way that you could explain? Interesting
@@skycloud4802China's artificial islands are also not internationally recognized. If I understand it correctly, nothing which 'naturally lacks land above sea level will be recognized
I’m a SeaLand Duke… 😊 I like that they found a way to keep the fort alive. It protected my dad during WWII
How do they get the pillars to the bottom of the sea
@@rashadjenkins1571by building caissons
Thats awesome
0.0
that‘s cool
Can't believe I'm 58 years old from London and never heard about Sealand before. What a totally amazing and brilliant story . Love it ❤
Just can't make this up lol absolutely amazing
Do we need a passport to get to that place?
@@jojodelima1953 Yes, and you can apply for one on Sealand's official website. I would not suggest showing up unannounced, because they are fairly well armed and will fire shots and those who come near the fort. Visits must be arranged first.
I live in another country and i knew about it
Typical Londoner 🤣🤡🫵🤦🏾♂️
I would pay a modest amount for a tour and a visit and the novelty of a Sealand stamp on my passport. That has to be the rarest passport stamp in the world!
100%
Seeing that they are not a real nation, in most countries this would deem your passport damaged...
Go to my country of Slowjamastan in which I am a member of Parliament
@@nicholascrow8133micronations are able to stamp passports
@@nicholascrow8133no they won't I've been to the principality of hutt River in Australia they accepted my passport and so did america
I've always been fascinated with Sealand, glad to see it featured
Yeah, right……. @1:32 mark; No rising seas here!
Oh look, it’s Samuel Paty at the 4:23 mark. First he is Skirgailia 666, then he is Robert Falcon Scott, yes, he does get around in all of his silicone disguises & aliases.
7:24 mark, Patty Hearst aka Jadwiga 666. It just keeps getting better & better! Wow, so that is where she was hiding out!
Ridiculous
It's part of the uk amd under uk law Google it 😂😂😂
That place must be scary during the North Sea storm
Very
wow!that north sea is like a monster.
I love the concept of trying something against all odds and trying to make it stick. Just a funny scenario with crazy consequences. Love the commitment
Duuuumb lol
Look into Slowjamastan. I'm a member of Parliament
@@Urineil Nice. I applied for a tourist visa, but they said im required to either grow an 'unwieldy neck beard' or 'have diebetes' prior to entry. Apparently the population there strictly adheres to that policy 🤷♂️
there is another country aong Italy coast, but that one was more like party kind.
As a Countess of Sealand for years, I really appreciated you doing this story! It always makes me smile to see bits about this micronation!
I'm also a Lord Of Sealand for years too - I have a certificate
@@nelsonclub7722 The certificates are lovely, aren't they?
@@countessk They are - I know its for fun - but I love the slight wickedness and a cheeky nod to the establishment - its what makes us British both at the top and at the bottom
@@nelsonclub7722 Indeed! It's a fun little thing to pull out in conversations.
I'd be sad if Sealand was overtaken. I hope it continues to survive.
1 person live there what u gone b sad about
Where to apply to Sealand Military Reserves?
@@dESTRON76 You can sign up for Knighthood. As a Baron, historically, I think I can knight you? 😀
@@Da_Humble_Life Can you rephrase that in the English language ?
Sealand have more reserve military (knight) around the world.. im one of them.
What an extraordinary piece of engineering from keeping Sealand from springing a leak.I mean it is nearly 80 years old .There has to be a bit of erosion. Those North seas waters are really rough.
LOL. The sea there is only about 15 feet deep. It's built out of the seafloor. There are Roman structures built in the sea that are still around today. Waterproof concrete lasts a long time.
@@Metal0sopher Thank you for that info. I had family who used to live off the gulf in Louisiana. Always impressed with the power of the water. The currents alone having the ability to snap anything embedded onto the sea floor if not designed properly. As you say it also shows the genius of Roman engineering as well.
@@frederickgriffith7004 Roman concrete had a mineral additive that grew crystals in sea water and it naturally reinforced the structure over time.
They just don't make 'em like they used to...
You could tar the outside of it also if you had too but I Michael says the walls are 300mm thick if I recall right.
Such a cool story. Long live SeaLand.
This was an absolute delight to watch.
Maybe the best long running bit of all time. Dudes rock
now that I think about it, every nation is a long-running bit
More like 60 minutes
@@Ropotopolous Hell yeah dude. Sealanders Rock
I cant stop laughing at how the absurdity goes up a notch every minute. I lost it at Princess Artillery Major.
It's quite insane actually 🤪Read the book "Defending the Fort" by Michael of Sealand it's one of the only books that actually made me laugh out loud and want to read twice.
As a Felixstonian can I say we have the utmost respect for our nearest neighbour and hope diplomatic differences can be resolved without the need for further conflict.
Totally unfamiliar with Sealand. What a wild story. Fascinating stuff
for those who say that they have travelled to every country in the world, i doubt if they've been here.
Has anyone actually said that?
@@Ishluh, yeah
It's not a country so that's irrelevant
It's not a country though
Wow!I think I love this country. I would like to visit it one day. Respect from South Africa. 🇿🇦
He has a birthday party. Blows out the candles. Switches sides to the other end of the table-and cheers for himself...
I've known about Sealand for years now, thanks to the series Hetalia. Sealand is how I learned about micronations, and I'm very grateful for it. In the series, the nation is shown to be a 12 year old boy who just wants to be recognized as an actual country like England and America. I mention the character's age because I had no clue about the more shady going ons of the nation. Heck, the character is just so determined that I've actually looked at citizenship and I'm always happy to hear what the nation has going on. I wouldn't mind hearing what its people think of the character.
For perspective for those unaware of Hetalia, the anime premise is that countries are personified as schoolchildren. It's not as bad as it sounds as a lot of history fits in well
@@lukecwolfnot really "schoolchildren" but just as humans. Most of the characters are in their early 20s.
My dad has a Sealand passport....but he knows the idiot who owns it
Ohhh same here!! XDD
Was looking for the Hetalia comment, I look back on the series fondly lol
I want to conquer the world as Sealand on all my strategy games now.
Man, that must have been the time. Most men in this world will never know what it's like to have an amazing woman by your side, on an adventure, just you and her out and about in the world living life. Just a man and his family. They must miss their folks dearly! Those are the times you never forget!
His wife also looks truely beautiful!
KZhead has done well to link this to me. Great history I've never known about. Thank you Sealand!
It's been around for a long time, but I've never heard of it. It's sooo interesting!
what a fantastic place, with some interesting history about sealand, there are a couple of these sort of old forts dotted around our coast line & i think france also has a few to, one being an old prison, i would certainly live at sealand, considering they were built quickly they are still very very sturdy, thanks for putting this story out there 60 minutes.
Michael Bates is a Right Prat!! Known him for years
Read the book about this place, it's fascinating. One of the sons was held hostage on there once by actual pirates.
@hatchetmouth8211 What’s the name of that book?
Ditto
Speaking about wars why there are SeaLands coins supporting russian invasion of Ukraine ?
@@brendadg1976 The book is called "defending The Fort" by Michael of Sealand
@@TenThirtyTwoIt's "Holding the Fort."
saw a documentary 2 weeks ago about this.. outstanding
Ive been fascinated by Sealand ever since I first learned of its existence way way back when The Pirate Bay put forth the idea of buying it and hosting the site there. I think of this micronation way more than the roman empire
I became a citizen and land Baron, you will get issued an actual id card just verify yourself with an app called yoti.
The Pirate Bay! I learned about Sealand there too 😊😊😊😆
But do you like movies about gladiators?
My dad has a Sealand Passport....We've known the Bates family Forever!
I see it regularly from the coast of my local beach. I thought it was some oil rig all this time until I googled it.
Have heard about Sealand before great upload indeed , hello from down under off grid here for very much the same reasons.
It's pretty much letting a little boy keep his treehouse and the little boy taking it too far
Oh man this needs to be a movie with someone like Gary Oldman as the founder.
No Jason mamoa aqua man😂
😊😊
check out movie 'the boat that rocked'. i think it was loosely based on this.
@@johnnylabu765 Oh yeah I did see that. That whole pirate radio thing is interesting, would've made for awesome parties. I used to broadcast cd audio from my garage as a teenager for awhile lol
Several attempts have been made to make a film based on on the book - however all have failed - there was however a similar story told which was based on an old platform - the issue is one of rights - the author of the book wants too much - I know becuase I approached him myself!! As an aside - the rights have been sold a few times and I suspect - as with a few other scripts I know of that the author of the book has possibly made more money out of the rights than he would making an actual film - 1 film or unlimited sale of exclusive options!!!!
60 Minutes never disappoints! Nice story
When can we expect Sealand to make its Eurovision debut?
It's not a member of the EBU unfortunately. 😂
Sealand would first have to start a public broadcast television station, then that television channel could apply to join. I wonder how feasible it would be for them to do that as a joke lol
If Sealand hosted would be on the roof 😂
How is this not a Netflix mini series? 😂
9 minutes in and man, that really would be a fantastic film
How many films do you need!?
never enough. Need GOOD writing & no censorship from pesky christians. @@beckyhenkel7917
broondan small
Wes Anderson film I’m sure
2:50 With the steel rebar exposed to seawater, and rusting away, it might be Mother Nature who will ultimately claim Sealand.
I wondered why you couldn't just paint tar over it?
@@TenThirtyTwo Painting an offshore platform that was a temporary bunker is extremely expensive. Unlike typical platforms that are steel and concrete, this is a 100 year old structure which apparently had little to no maintenance.
@@hydrogenpoint I got a chance to ask Michael recently and he said something to the effect that it's mostly cosmetic but the concrete is a foot thick. Pretty interesting, the water there isn't that deep either, most the tower is above it.
I love how they enjoyed and are still enjoying their lives 💕💕👍🏿👍🏿😊😊👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
Interesting story - I think I'm going to make it official and become a "Lady" for $29.99! Looks like the nation and royal family of Sealand will be having a great Christmas thanks to 60 minutes!
I bought land there with a title 😄 I got my friend a Lady peerage title for her birthday they make awesome gifts.
I m going to become a lord too
Thanks for this awesome story! Especially enjoyed the parts about pirate radio & the state's re-takeover coup.😀
Incredible storyline!!loved it
Imagine being this dudes grandson, Love everything about my pops but man imagine all the stories this guy has heard?
Loved this segment!
Where do they get all of the food and supplies from? And to transfer them from the boat to the structure, do they have to hand raise everything? Do they make fresh water or do they import all of that too? It is interesting, but I’m not sure it is very practical.
Dang I’m so HAPPY 2 live in a REAL COUNTRY 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🙏🇦🇺🙏🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🙌🙌🙌🕊️🦅
@@kimfenn4311yeah but we never know how fast our access to food could change. Covid taught that
Do they farm and trade? All these questions make it a fantasy.
Just like any other nation that imports things they don't have, Sealand also import supplies they need.
They have one resident. Not too hard to store provisions for one dude in 2 seven story buildings.
Those towers or columns are way bigger than they look from the outside. So cool.
As a Lord of Sealand this was interesting to watch!
More like a lord of Satan based on your picture
@@ChristopherKilian-fg6ds😂😂😂
@@ChristopherKilian-fg6ds how can a person be a lord of Satan? Satan is not a place, even Satan isn't a lord of Satan: he is a lord of hell..... you're not too bright are ya?
How are you a lord of sea land? What privileges does the lordship come with? Any required duties?
@@robdeskrd Firstly, I am British. Secondly, there are two basic ways in which to receive a title such as family lineage/inheritance or as in my case it was bestowed upon me. I am a humanitarian, pathologist and entertainer and I am expected to continue these endeavors as a representative of Sealand.
I actually would LOE to visit this country!!! How freaking cool.
Great feature, peace to you Sealand 🌹🤘💕
The '60s are on full display. A glamorous era, the family all looked very glamorous in every shot from that decade. Fab!
Taking jokes overly seriously is one of my favorite things humanity does.
Theres this magical moment where someone makes an offhand joke, another person says "no" Then suddenly the guy who made the joke has now determined his lifes work
Love it, Respect to Sealand from Germany.
Hye
So, at 7:18 and 7:42 they showed photos of a quite attractive "swinging 60's bird". Somehow I didn't really notice she apparently handled the guns all wrong. Imagine that! 😂
I first read about Sealand in an old World Almanac in a section on micronations. Hay-On-Wye was another in England.
The maintenance must be astronomical. It seems like there must be quite a bit of 'old money' involved, or there was initially anyway. Not sure if I'd like to be out there in a big storm. I wonder if any ships have nearly run them over. What an interesting place and story.
Its nice the British Government lets these grown men play make believe!
😂
@@ryankuchinskas🫵🧐 This checks out.
Has absolutely nothing to do with the British Government letting Sealand be, but recognising that they are a Sovereign State indeed. My hope is to see it expand like Monaco or like Dubaï
@@fortunemickaellagenevievec8803 Dubai- I'm thinking a little grander.
Isn't called play make believe?
That was such a cool story! Crazy interesting...his story would make a great movie!
This is fascinating story of Sealand 🇾🇪 wow this story was interesting and incredible to watch and listen
Even though I haven’t been in the Hetalia fandom in a long time it feels like, I thank it for teaching me about things like Sealand 💖🫡
Looove it !! Lol the end killed me !! He’s gna get his best china out and make a cup of tea for the British navy. Lol
That's the best bit hey 😊
He actually shot at them before 😆 no kidding, read the full history it's unbelievable but real.
@@kittywampusdrums4963what a legend lol
There was a 2009 movie "The boat that rocked" about this. One of Philip Seymour Hoffman's last movies.
No
Very wrong. The clue word is in the title 'boat'
@@jenyates3033 Right. I realized that after posting. But there's a strong tie-in. The movie was also about pirate radio off the British coast during the same period. I guess I should have corrected the post. So I wasn't completely accurate. Wrong but not "very" wrong. It's been a long time since I saw the movie and the 60 Minutes story stirred memories and when I found the name contained "boat" I just left it in case someone was interested in that pirate radio period they could look up the movie.
Also weird a 2009 movie would considered one of PSH’s last movies given he passed in 2014.
Amazing. I never knew this place existed until this. This should have been in Geography and History in school back in the day
Been a Lord for nearly 9 years. GO SEALAND!
How do you become a Lord?
@@Bryan-jd7os It's on Sealand's website. It's a fundraising tool for them - costs about $30, IIRC.
@@Bryan-jd7osBuy a title.
This is fascinating
This one is also interesting and you can watch a movie about it. From Wikipedia: Republic of Rose Island Former country located in the Adriatic Sea, off the coast of Italy The Republic of Rose Island was a short-lived micronation on a man-made platform in the Adriatic Sea, 11 kilometres off the coast of the province of Rimini, Italy, built by Italian engineer Giorgio Rosa, who made himself its president and declared it an independent state on 1 May 1968.
There was a Republic of Minerva also and the Tonga military blew the island up 🤣
Mossoila micronation check out
What a great story!!
remember when this was a big deal back in the early 2000’s. great little update on this anomaly!
What a great tale of integrity. Viva Sealand 🫡
What a fascinating story!
How are they getting Internet Access ? They would have to use BT or Hughes for Satellite Internet and for running servers they would need a hard line
Interesting. Ty for posting. 👍
Truly amazing and wonderful.
I thought Sealand was an amusement park 😂
I might have missed a minute or two but I'm curious about the maintenance? Anyone have any insight?
This is all I could think about when he was touring. What happens when there's damage or it starts to degrade? Does he have a professional come and check it out occasionally?
Didnt know about Sealand.....thanks for the info
When I arrived, I bought a travel guide. So many things to do and see. World class restaurants too 😂
Great story! Long live Sealandia
This looks like heaven on earth!
❤❤❤I love stories like this. This is amazing and interesting
As a common visitor of sealand, I plan on starting a residency in the upcoming months. Keep up the good fight!
Anyone else thought this was Chris Hanson at first?😂
Did the reporter actually allow the permanent resident to put him in the jail? Wow, I find that really disturbing! Something about knowing you've just been imprisoned by the only resident of a country - completely dependant on that one person to let you out again - with no court to appeal to, etc... Even if it is an unrecognised nation - imagine the red tape involved in getting him released again!
Technically the reporter could first push the owner into the sea to his death (or quickly bludgeon him), reclaim the state for his own, and proclaim himself king, write new laws exonerating himself. That kind of vulnerability goes both ways.
@@skycloud4802you think his minister of homeland security would have allowed that?
@@dty1207Not if you get the backing of the princess and Xi
did you not notice it was filmed by a crew of at least one so a minimum of 3 people .
@@kieronmarshall2658 hehe, yes that didn't escape my notice. Still a bit disturbing though - did you notice how the PR was chuckling outside the locked jail door?
Fantastic story. God Bless Sealand!
How have I never heard of this?
I'd love to visit!
I LOVE it. Absolutely love it 😊
Fascinating
What a place to stay❤ an adventure everyday aside from being historical 😊❤
I’m positive the storm waves are insane
It is true. No chance these waves will pass any medical examination. . They may be filtered through pools of questions but to no avail as they always break
Loved these folks from day 1! Great lesson to 'world powers': DON'T try to control pop culture & DON'T abandon assets! 🎉😂💗
Amazing!!
Got my Sealand Coffee mug and T shirt earlier this year. 😎
Love it🎉❤ Hail Sealand!! 😂
He married an artillery major from PRC military 👍🏻👍🏻
Which mean china had successfully occupied Sealand by honey Trap strategies!
I love this and well done to this family.
The cylinders are wild. The chapel below sea level is trippy.
Expand Sealand! Build surrounding structures and make something really cool out of this
Underwater geodesic domes was my suggestion, half the towers are underwater anyway.
Hell yeah! @@kittywampusdrums4963
Man's a Legend in his own world
very nice and romantic. The Lady who become a Princess, received a wonderful gift and I understand how much happy she was to have a such husband. She was very pretty. I hope to this family a very happy long life and prosperity.
Looks great, congrats. Stand strong stand together!!!
I never realized there was such a paradise. I imagine storms can get scary. Hope the mortar holds up on the support for the home.