Researchers from Bournemouth University have finally identified a 17th-century shipwreck located off the coast of Salcombe, Devon. The vessel was traveling from Morocco to the Netherlands when it succumbed to severe weather, though all crew members reportedly survived the sinking.
The 9,000 Barbary ducats and the Moroccan cargo
The contents of the shipwreck off the Devon coast represent a significant snapshot of 17th-century international trade. according to the report, the vessel was carrying a diverse array of goods, including 150 bags of gum arabic, 64 bags of saltpetre, and 320 goat skins. These items suggest a complex trade route connecting North Africa to Northern Europe.
Perhaps the most striking find was the presence of 9,000 Barbary ducats, which are gold Moroccan coins. While much of the cargo was salvaged shortly after the ship sank,a portion of the treasure remained hidden on the seabed for centuries. The South West Maritime Archaeology Group eventually discovered more than 400 of these coins in 1995, adding to the mystery that had persisted since the site's initial discovery in the mid-1990s.
Ian Friel’s archival breakthrough in the National Archive
The identification of the vessel was not achieved through diving alone, but through meticulous historical detective work. Independent historian Ian Friel was able to solve the decades-old puzzle by uncovering specific documents within the National Archive. This archival research allowed researchers from Bournemouth University to connect the physical artifacts found in the English Channel to a specific historical context.
By tracing these records, Friel was able to establish that the ship was en route from Morocco to the Netherlands at the time of its loss. this connection transforms the site from a collection of anonymous artifacts into a documented piece of maritime history, providing a clearer picture of the risks faced by merchant sailors during this era.
A 17th-century maritime disaster with no fatalities
The circumstances of the sinking highlight the extreme volatility of 17th-century seafaring. The report states that the ship encountered tempestuous weather while navigating near Salcombe, which caused the vessel to develop a leak. Despite the severity of the storm and the eventual loss of the ship, the disaster ended without the loss of life, as all crew members survived the event.
This survival adds a rare human element to the archaeological site. while many shipwrecks of this period serve as underwater graves, this particular wreck near Devon stands as a testament to the resilience of the crew in the face of a sudden maritime catastrophe. The site is currently under the oversight of Historic England, with monitoring provided by the National Coastwatch Institution at Prawle Point.
The unanswered question of the Moroccan ship's name
Despite the significant progress made by Bournemouth University and Ian Friel, certain specifics remain elusive. While the report clarifies the ship's origins, cargo, and the circumstances of its sinking, it does not explicitly name the vessel itself. This leaves a lingering question for historians: what was the specific name of the ship that carried these 9,000 Barbary ducats?
Furthermore, while the 17th-century timeframe is established, the exact year of the sinking remains unverified in the provided report. without the vessel's name or a precise date, the connection between the Moroccan cargo and the specific merchant fleet of the era remains a subject for further investigation. For now, the site remains a protected location where diving is strictly limited to licensed individuals.
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