HMS Victory Wreckage found by Odyssey Marine Exploration

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SUMMARY

The wreckage of the HMS Victory, a British warship that sank in the English Channel in 1744, has been discovered by Odyssey Marine Exploration at a depth of approximately 330 feet. The ship, known for carrying 4 tons of gold coins, was identified through the recovery of two brass cannons and other artifacts. Odyssey is currently negotiating with the British government for collaboration on the salvage project, which is located 25 to 40 miles from the English coast, outside territorial waters. This discovery is significant due to the historical importance of the HMS Victory, which was the largest and most heavily armed vessel of its time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of maritime archaeology
  • Knowledge of historical naval warfare
  • Familiarity with shipwreck salvage laws
  • Awareness of the significance of the HMS Victory in British naval history
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  • Research maritime archaeology techniques used in shipwreck recovery
  • Study the historical context of the HMS Victory and its role in naval battles
  • Investigate international laws regarding shipwreck salvage rights
  • Explore the technologies used by Odyssey Marine Exploration in underwater recovery operations
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Historians, maritime archaeologists, treasure hunters, and anyone interested in naval history and shipwreck recovery efforts.

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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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I get fairly excited when I hear news like this. But it seems I always wait years before photos and videos are released.