HMS Victory Wreckage found by Odyssey Marine Exploration

In summary, the HMS Victory, a legendary British man-of-war that sank in the English Channel 264 years ago, has been found by Odyssey Marine Exploration. The ship was carrying 4 tons of gold coins and 31 brass cannons, and was the largest and most heavily armed vessel of its day. Odyssey has an ongoing legal matter with Spain over another wreck that was salvaged, the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes y las Animas, which sank off Portugal in 1804.
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Wreck of renowned British warship found in Channel
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090201/ap_on_bi_ge/shipwreck_discovery

A legendary British man-of-war that sank in the English Channel 264 years ago.

The wreckage of the HMS Victory, found below about 330 feet of water, may carry an even bigger jackpot. Research indicates the ship was carrying 4 tons of gold coins when it sank in storm, said Greg Stemm, co-founder of Odyssey Marine Exploration, ahead of a Monday news conference in London.

So far, two brass cannons have been recovered from the wreck, Stemm said. The Florida-based company said it is negotiating with the British government over collaborating on the project.

"This is a big one, just because of the history," Stemm said. "Very rarely do you solve an age-old mystery like this."

Thirty-one brass cannons and other evidence on the wreck allowed definitive identification of the HMS Victory, 175-foot sailing ship that was separated from its fleet and sank in the English Channel on Oct. 4, 1744, with at least 900 men aboard, the company said. The ship was the largest and, with 110 brass cannons, the most heavily armed vessel of its day. It was the inspiration for the HMS Victory famously commanded by Adm. Horatio Nelson decades later.

Odyssey was searching for other valuable shipwrecks in the English Channel when it came across the Victory. Stemm wouldn't say exactly where the ship was found for fear of attracting plunderers, though he said it wasn't close to where it was expected.

"We found this more than 50 miles from where anybody would have thought it went down," Stemm said. Federal court records filed by Odyssey in Tampa seeking the exclusive salvage rights said the site is 25 to 40 miles from the English coast, outside of its territorial waters.

A Ministry of Defense spokesman said Sunday the government was aware of Odyssey's claim to have found the Victory.
. . . .
Odyssey had already negotiated an agreement with British officials regarding the search for the HMS Sussex, which sank in the western Mediterranean in 1694 with gold coins aboard.
Odyssey has an ongoing legal matter with Spain over another wreck that was salvaged, the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes y las Animas, which sank off Portugal in 1804. At stake is 17 tons of silver coins.
 
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  • #2
I get fairly excited when I hear news like this. But it seems I always wait years before photos and videos are released.
 
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I am fascinated by the discovery of the HMS Victory wreckage by Odyssey Marine Exploration. The historical significance of this legendary British warship, as well as the potential for valuable artifacts and treasure, makes this a truly exciting find.

The use of advanced technology and research to identify the ship and its contents is a testament to the capabilities of modern marine exploration. It is also important to note that the company is working closely with the British government to ensure the proper preservation and management of the site.

The recovery of two brass cannons and the indication that the ship was carrying 4 tons of gold coins only adds to the intrigue of this discovery. The fact that the wreckage was found in a location far from where it was expected to be, highlights the challenges and unpredictability of underwater exploration.

It is also interesting to see that Odyssey has an ongoing legal matter with Spain over another salvaged wreck, highlighting the complex legal and ethical considerations involved in marine exploration and salvage.

Overall, this discovery is a testament to the never-ending search for knowledge and understanding of our past. I look forward to following the progress of this project and the potential insights it may bring to our understanding of naval history.
 

1. What is the significance of the HMS Victory wreckage being found by Odyssey Marine Exploration?

The HMS Victory is a historically significant ship that served as the flagship of the British Royal Navy during the 18th century. Its wreckage has been searched for by historians and archaeologists for decades, making its discovery by Odyssey Marine Exploration a major achievement.

2. How did Odyssey Marine Exploration locate the HMS Victory wreckage?

Odyssey Marine Exploration used advanced technologies such as side-scan sonar and remotely operated vehicles to search the ocean floor for the wreckage. They also utilized historical research and previous expeditions to narrow down the search area.

3. What information can be gleaned from the HMS Victory wreckage?

The wreckage can provide valuable insights into the construction, design, and historical context of the HMS Victory. It can also shed light on the conditions of the ship and the lives of its crew during its time in service.

4. Will the HMS Victory wreckage be recovered and displayed?

There are currently no plans to recover the entire wreckage, as it is considered a war grave and protected under international maritime law. However, some artifacts may be recovered for conservation and display in museums.

5. What steps will be taken to preserve the HMS Victory wreckage?

Odyssey Marine Exploration and other organizations involved in the discovery and study of the wreckage will work closely with conservation experts to ensure the preservation of the site and any recovered artifacts. This may include techniques such as electrolytic reduction to remove corrosive salts from metal objects.

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