Historic Warship Discovered Off Danish Coast

A warship that sank 225 years ago after being attacked by Adm. Horatio Nelson and the British fleet has been found off the coast of Denmark. The discovery is being described as “remarkable” by maritime archaeologists.

Battle of Copenhagen and the Ship's Fate

Maritime archaeologists from the Danish Viking Ship Museum located the shipwreck while surveying the seabed of Copenhagen Harbor. The survey was conducted in preparation for the construction of an artificial island. The vessel went down during the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801.

Identification of the Dannebroge

The ship has been identified as the Dannebroge. Archaeologists began excavating the site at the end of last year, finding the remains 15 meters below the surface in conditions of near-zero visibility. Otto Uldum, a maritime archaeologist at the Danish Viking Ship Museum, stated, “We have found Dannebroge and the remains of those who never made it ashore after the battle.”

Archaeological Findings

Uldum confirmed the ship’s dimensions “correspond exactly” to surviving drawings. The site is filled with evidence of the intense fighting, including cannonballs and bar shot. Two cannons have also been recovered.

Lynetteholm Project and Archaeological Survey

The archaeological survey was initiated ahead of the controversial Lynetteholm project, a plan to build a 271-acre man-made peninsula intended to protect Copenhagen from rising sea levels. The project has faced environmental protests.

The Battle and its Aftermath

On April 2, 1801, the Dannebroge was anchored in Copenhagen Harbor as part of the Danish-Norwegian defense against Nelson’s fleet. The ensuing Battle of Copenhagen lasted four hours, resulting in a Danish defeat. The Dannebroge was heavily damaged, caught fire, and ultimately exploded following a ceasefire.

Historical Significance of the Discovery

Despite the battle being a central event in Danish history, Uldum noted, “Although the battle is a central event in Danish history, no one, to my knowledge, has examined it archaeologically until now. That is actually quite remarkable.”

Recovered Artifacts and Human Remains

Archaeologists have recovered numerous artifacts linked to the Dannebroge’s crew, including shoes, clothing fragments, clay pipes, and uniform insignia. They have also discovered human remains, including a lower jaw and ribs, believed to be from crew members listed as missing.

Casualties and Scale of the Battle

The battle resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Records indicate 56 deaths and over 40 wounded among the Dannebroge’s crew. The British suffered approximately 255 deaths and over 700 wounded, while the Danes experienced 370 deaths and 665 injuries, with over 100 later succumbing to their wounds. At least 200 Danes remain unaccounted for.

Ongoing Investigations

Extensive maritime surveys have been ongoing since 2020, uncovering other shipwrecks, including a large 15th-century cog. Archaeological investigations are scheduled to be completed this spring. All recovered materials are being photographed and scanned in 3D.