Marine expert Edmond O’Byrne’s team has made a groundbreaking discovery: the likely remains of the Recovery, an 18th-century treasure ship that vanished over two centuries ago. The ship, which was lost off the coast of Wexford, Ireland, in 1787, is believed to have carried valuable cargo including marble, bronze, and rare art collected by James Caulfeild, 1st Earl of Charlemont.
The discovery was made by O’Byrne’s team, who used side-scan sonar to detect an unusual object on the seabed. Upon closer inspection, the team confirmed the wreck’s identity through the presence of copper sheathing, a feature common on 18th-century British merchant ships. The ship was one of about 200 ships in the British merchant fleet that had their hulls covered in copper to protect against marine life.
The Recovery’s wreck is notable for its historical significance and potential value. The ship carried rare art and natural curiosities owned by John La Touche, one of the wealthiest Irish bankers of his time. Some of these items, including a sculpture commissioned by La Touche, have fetched significant sums in the past. The team believes the ship’s cargo may still be in good condition, as it was likely packed securely during its journey.
The ship’s demise is thought to have occurred when it struck shallow waters near Carnsore Point, pulling its rudder and part of the stern from the ship. The rudder was found around 800 feet away from the main wreck, a detail that helps reconstruct the ship’s final moments. The rudder itself was also covered in copper, making it a rare find among 18th-century shipwrecks. O’Byrne notes that no other copper-covered rudder from this era has been uncovered, making the Recovery’s wreck a unique artifact of maritime history.
While the shipwreck remains undisturbed for now, O’Byrne’s team is monitoring it for any signs of shifting sands that might reveal more treasures. The discovery is part of a growing trend in marine archaeology, where new technologies are shedding light on maritime history and uncovering lost artifacts. Earlier this year, a centuries-old ship was found beneath a former fish market in Spain, and last month, a 19th-century tugboat was discovered in Lake Michigan.
The importance of such discoveries lies not only in their potential historical and monetary value but also in their ability to enrich our understanding of past maritime activities and trade routes. The Recovery’s story is a testament to the enduring mysteries of the ocean and the dedicated efforts of marine archaeologists to unravel them.