A 19th century ship that sank nearly 140 years ago has been found “frozen in time” off Britain’s coast. Twenty-three crew members died when the SS Nantes sank off the coast of Cornwall in November 1888, but the whereabouts of the wreck have remained a mystery – until now. The incredible discovery was made after deep sea diver Dom Robinson found a piece of crockery amid the watery remains. Back on land, Robinson, 53, saw the broken plate bore the stamp “Cunard Steamship Company,” which helped identify the stricken vessel through information available online. It turned out he and a team of fellow divers had been exploring the SS Nantes, which had been a 14-year-old cargo ship at the time of its demise, according to Harry Bennett, a history professor and maritime expert from the University of Plymouth. “Nantes is one of those vessels that’s been known about but has been lost for a long period of time,” he told CNN Friday. Conditions were poor that fateful day when the steam ship was hit by German sailing vessel Theodor Ruger. “It pierces the side of the Nantes and tears a big hole into its side,” said Bennett. “For several hours, the crew tried to save their ship using all manner of materials to try and fill the hole, including mattresses. But eventually they lose that fight and the ship goes down very rapidly.” The two boats were “briefly locked together” before sinking, Bennett said. The collision damaged Nantes’ lifeboats, which meant the crew were unable to escape. Only three people survived, including one man found at sea and two who jumped off the ship. “The Theodor Ruger also goes down but her lifeboats are in better condition, so even though she loses a few crew members, the majority get away in lifeboats and are saved – including two guys who scrambled off the Nantes,” Bennett added. Robinson, who shared the story on his YouTube channel, told CNN the wreck was discovered at a depth of 75 meters (246 feet) in the English Channel, 30 miles south-east of Plymouth last Fall. “When you go down on wrecks, you look for things that might identify them,” Robinson said. “It was right at the end of my dive and I’d found nothing so was a bit despondent.” But then he saw the broken plate, which proved to be a “massive clue towards identifying” the vessel, he said. When Robinson dived the site again earlier this year, a second plate branded with the logo was found. ‘Frozen in time’ Together with other details of the wreck – such as its build and dimension – the plate helped confirm the ship’s identity. “Every wreck is a time capsule,” Bennett said. “When that wreck goes down, things are frozen in time, in the mud and in the surrounding areas. We get these little insights into what life onboard must have been like. The idea that you’re looking at a plate that crewmen might have had their last meal on is very, very poignant. “We suddenly find ourselves revisiting a tragedy from 1888, of coming to terms with that kind of horror that tells us a story about life in the maritime world in the late 19th century.” Part of the motivation for deep diving on shipwrecks is the detective work, as well as the opportunity to explore final frontiers, Robinson said. “For a normal person like myself, there is nowhere left to explore – there’s no more mountains left to go to, no more continents that haven’t been found. The only place where you can do something completely out of the ordinary is to go to the bottom of the sea and explore and find things and identify them,” he added. “I get a huge buzz out of that and in the UK we are so fortunate because around our shores are probably more wrecks than anywhere else in the world. I could probably dive every day for the rest of my life on a new wreck.”
Maritime mystery solved after shipwreck discovered off UK coast
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"19th Century Shipwreck of SS Nantes Discovered off Cornwall Coast"
CNN
8.1
TruthLens AI Summary
The recent discovery of the SS Nantes shipwreck off the coast of Cornwall has shed light on a maritime tragedy that occurred nearly 140 years ago. The 19th-century cargo ship sank in November 1888, resulting in the loss of 23 crew members when it collided with the German vessel Theodor Ruger. The wreck was identified by deep sea diver Dom Robinson, who found a piece of crockery stamped with the logo of the Cunard Steamship Company during his dive. This crucial find, along with the ship's dimensions and other details, helped confirm the identity of the vessel, which had been lost to history for a long time. According to Harry Bennett, a maritime expert from the University of Plymouth, the collision caused significant damage to the Nantes, leading to a rapid sinking that left only three survivors from the crew. The tragic event illustrates the dangers of maritime travel in the late 19th century and provides a poignant reminder of the lives lost at sea.
Robinson's exploration of the wreck site, located at a depth of 75 meters in the English Channel, highlights the thrill of deep-sea diving and maritime archaeology. He expressed his excitement at uncovering artifacts that tell the story of life on board the ship, stating that each wreck is like a time capsule frozen in time. The opportunity to explore these underwater sites is particularly appealing to divers, as there are few unexplored frontiers left on land. The UK is known for its rich maritime history, with numerous shipwrecks along its shores, making it a prime location for diving enthusiasts. Robinson's discovery not only uncovers a significant piece of history but also reignites interest in the stories of those who perished in maritime disasters, emphasizing the importance of preserving and understanding our maritime heritage.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent discovery of the SS Nantes shipwreck off the UK coast has garnered attention due to its historical significance and the dramatic circumstances surrounding its sinking. This article sheds light on a maritime mystery that has persisted for nearly 140 years, and it invites readers to engage with the past in a compelling way.
Purpose of the Article
The primary aim of the article appears to be to inform the public about a significant historical find while evoking a sense of intrigue regarding maritime history. By detailing the shipwreck's discovery and the tragic events of its sinking, the article seeks to rekindle interest in maritime exploration and history, potentially engaging historians, divers, and history enthusiasts alike.
Public Perception
The narrative created around the shipwreck aims to foster a connection between the present and the past, highlighting the human stories behind maritime tragedies. The mention of the ship's crew and their desperate attempts to save themselves adds a human element that may evoke sympathy and curiosity among readers. This storytelling approach can create a sense of community interest in maritime heritage.
Potential Omissions
While the article focuses on the discovery of the wreck, it may downplay other maritime issues or contemporary concerns, such as environmental impacts of underwater exploration or the safety regulations of modern shipping. By concentrating on the romanticism of maritime history, the article might inadvertently obscure ongoing discussions about maritime safety and environmental concerns.
Manipulative Aspects
The article does not appear overtly manipulative; however, it could be argued that it selectively presents information to create a nostalgic and heroic image of maritime history. By framing the narrative around the discovery and the crew's plight, it may evoke romanticized views of the past, which could distract from current maritime challenges.
Factual Reliability
The article seems to rely on credible sources, such as a history professor, lending it authenticity. The details about the shipwreck and the events leading to its sinking are based on historical accounts, which suggests a strong factual basis. However, as with any historical narrative, the interpretation of events can vary.
Social and Economic Impact
This discovery may lead to increased interest in maritime tourism and historical preservation, potentially benefiting local economies. It also has the capacity to inspire educational initiatives related to maritime history and exploration, emphasizing the value of preserving such legacies.
Target Audience
The article likely appeals to history buffs, maritime enthusiasts, and those interested in adventure stories. Its narrative style may resonate particularly well with those who appreciate tales of exploration and human resilience.
Market Influence
While the article itself may not directly impact stock markets, it could indirectly influence sectors related to maritime tourism and heritage conservation. Companies involved in marine exploration or historical tourism may see increased interest as a result of heightened public curiosity.
Geopolitical Relevance
The discovery of the SS Nantes does not have significant geopolitical implications; however, it serves as a reminder of the rich maritime history of the UK and its ongoing relevance to cultural identity. It connects to broader themes of heritage and preservation in a contemporary context.
Use of AI in Writing
There is a possibility that AI tools were used in drafting or editing the article to ensure clarity and coherence. Given the structured nature of the narrative, AI might have influenced the organization of information to enhance readability and engagement. However, the article's overall tone and human-centered storytelling suggest significant human input.
The analysis suggests that while the article is primarily informative and intriguing, it presents a narrative that may evoke nostalgia and community interest in maritime history. Its factual basis appears solid, but it is essential to recognize the selective nature of historical storytelling.