HMS Tyger : “British Warship Found Off Florida Keys”

By Trend News Line 2024-03-21 03:45:20.

In a fascinating turn of events, a wrecked seagoing vessel discovered off the Florida Keys decades ago has been identified as a British warship that sank in the 18th century. The National Park Service archaeologists recently used new research to determine that the wreckage, first spotted in 1993 near Dry Tortugas National Park, is the HMS Tyger.

### Discovery of the HMS Tyger
The HMS Tyger was a Fourth-Rate, 50-gun frigate built in 1647. It met its tragic end in 1742 after running aground on the reefs of the Dry Tortugas during the War of Jenkins Ear between Britain and Spain. Archaeologists surveyed the site in 2021 and found five cannons several hundred yards from the main wreck site, leading them to confirm the wreck as the remains of the HMS Tyger.

### Historical Significance
After the shipwreck, approximately 300 crew members were marooned for over two months on what is now known as Garden Key. They built fortifications on the island, more than a century before the establishment of Fort Jefferson, which stands as a historical site today. The stranded survivors constructed 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. They used their makeshift vessels to travel 700 miles through enemy waters to British-controlled Port Royal, Jamaica.

### Sovereign Property of the British Government
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 significant piece of British naval history but also highlights the importance of preservation for future generations of archaeologists to make new discoveries with advanced technologies and research tools.

### Conclusion
The identification of the HMS Tyger is a remarkable discovery that adds to the rich tapestry of maritime history in the Florida Keys. The story of the wrecked British warship and the resilience of its crew members provide insight into the challenges faced by sailors during the 18th century. As archaeologists continue to uncover new insights into the past, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our historical heritage for future generations to appreciate and learn from..

– Vessel Off Florida Keys Identified as British Warship
– British Warship That Sank in the 18th Century.