Lost 18th-Century Treasure Ship Recovery Found Off Ireland’s Coast

Off the rugged coast of Wexford, Ireland, marine archaeologists have unearthed what may be the ghostly remains of the Recovery, a British treasure ship lost to the sea in 1787. Led by marine expert Edmond O’Byrne, the team stumbled upon this maritime relic, a vessel once laden with marble, bronze, and rare artifacts collected by James Caulfeild, the 1st Earl of Charlemont, during his European grand tour. The ship also carried curiosities owned by John La Touche, one of Ireland’s wealthiest bankers, making it a floating vault of 18th-century opulence.

The Recovery met its doom 85 miles south of Dublin, sinking with the loss of six lives, including the captain and two of his sons. Forgotten for centuries, its rediscovery began when O’Byrne’s side-scan sonar caught an odd shape on the seabed. Initially mistaken for a torpedo, the find revealed its true nature: a 20-foot rudder cloaked in copper sheathing, a Royal Navy hallmark of the era used to fend off barnacles and shipworms. This copper-clad relic, possibly the only one of its kind from the 18th century, confirmed the wreck’s identity.

Further exploration uncovered timber, an anchor, and artifacts like a teapot and inkwells, hinting at the ship’s final moments. The rudder, found 800 feet from the main wreck, suggests the vessel struck shallow waters near Carnsore Point, tearing off its stern and leaving it at the mercy of the sea. The cargo, potentially worth millions today—given a La Touche-commissioned sculpture once fetched $1 million—may still lie preserved 65 feet below, packed meticulously for its ill-fated journey from Italy via London.

For now, the wreck remains untouched, watched closely by O’Byrne’s team as shifting sands may yet unveil more of its treasures. This find not only rekindles a forgotten tragedy but also offers a rare glimpse into a bygone era of wealth and exploration.