HMS Tyger : “British Warship Wreck Off Florida Keys”

By Trend News Line 2024-03-20 19:00:47.

The Discovery of HMS Tyger

A wrecked seagoing vessel that was discovered off the Florida Keys decades ago has recently been identified as a British warship that sank in the 18th century. The National Park Service archaeologists used new research to determine that the wreckage, first spotted in 1993 near Dry Tortugas National Park, is the HMS Tyger. This Fourth-Rate, 50-gun frigate built in 1647 sank in 1742 after running aground on the reefs of the Dry Tortugas while on patrol in the War of Jenkins Ear between Britain and Spain.

Maritime Archaeological Survey

In 2021, archaeologists surveyed the site and found five cannons several hundred yards from the main wreck site. These cannons were determined to be those thrown overboard when HMS Tyger first ran aground, which led the archaeologists to confirm the wreck as the remains of the HMS Tyger. This discovery highlights the importance of preservation in place, as future generations of archaeologists armed with more advanced technologies and research tools can reexamine sites and make new discoveries.

The Story of the Survivors

After the shipwreck, about 300 crew members were marooned for more than two months on what is now Garden Key. They built fortifications on the island over a century before the establishment of Fort Jefferson, which remains a historical site on the island today. The stranded survivors built seagoing vessels from salvaged pieces of the wrecked HMS Tyger and burned the rest of the ship to prevent its guns from falling into enemy hands. Using their makeshift vessels, they traveled 700 miles through enemy waters to British-controlled Port Royal, Jamaica.

Ownership of the Remains

The remains of the HMS Tyger and its related artifacts are the sovereign property of the British government in accordance with international treaties. This discovery not only sheds light on a piece of history but also showcases the resilience and resourcefulness of the crew members who survived the shipwreck and made their way to safety.

Conclusion

The identification of the HMS Tyger is a significant archaeological discovery that adds to our understanding of naval history and the challenges faced by seafarers in the 18th century. The story of the crew members who survived the wreck and made their way to safety is a testament to human endurance and ingenuity. As more advanced technologies continue to be used in maritime archaeology, we can expect more exciting discoveries to come to light..

Vessel off Florida Keys identified as British warship
British warship that sank in the 18th century.