27-05-2025
Mystery of lost British treasure ship laden with priceless artefacts may finally be solved 350 years after it vanished
A BRITISH ship filled with "rare treasure" that disappeared centuries ago may finally have been discovered off the coast of Ireland.
The Recovery was transporting priceless cargo from Italy to Dublin when it mysteriously sank in 1787, killing six crew members.
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Following decades of hunting, part of the historic vessel has been identified by divers in Wexford, southeast Ireland, after its rudder was picked up by sonar.
Edmond O'Byrne, who's leading the effort, said: "At first I thought it was a torpedo, because the image would be slightly distorted on the side-scan sonar.
"When we went down, it turned out to be a 20-foot-long rudder covered in copper sheet.
"We've searched and, so far, nobody can tell us that there is a copper-covered rudder in existence from that time anywhere.
"It could be the only one of its time. Now that really identified her."
Built in Chester in 1773, the Recovery was one of a few hundred ships in the entire British merchant fleet that had their hulls covered in copper sheathing.
It was used by the British navy at the time to prevent marine wildlife growing on wooden warships.
The long lost rudder was discovered almost 250 metres from other parts of the ship, including an anchor and timber fittings.
Artefacts such as a copper teapot and inkwells were also found nearby.
Its final location may shed some light on the final moments of the Recovery, which is believed to have been pulled apart in shallow water.
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The captain and his two sons were among the crew members who tragically perished.
Edmond added: "We reckon when she came around Carnsore Point, she came into shallower water, and pulled the rudder and part of the stern off.
"And then the ship was at the mercy of the sea."
But he believes that the lost antiques, which include bronze and marble artworks, are in a good condition despite sitting roughly 20 metres beneath the surface.
The Irishman said: "There could be something in very good condition.
"Because if they had to journey some distance on land to get to the port and then be loaded and then unloaded, they would have to be packed very, very well.
"So there is a chance that something would survive."
Some of the pieces of art on the ship had been collected by the Earl of Charlemont during a nine-year tour of Europe.
"Ireland's wealthiest banker" John La Touche also owned some of the expensive materials stored on the boat.
The true value of the cargo is unknown.
Amorino, another statue commissioned by the banker, sold for more than £500,000 in 1997.
The piece was designed by the famous Italian sculptor, Antonio Canova, and is now displayed at the National Gallery of Ireland.
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