Wreck Divers Discover 18th-Century Barbary Pirate Ship Loaded with Priceless Artifacts

underwater shipwreckPhoto byNOAAonUnsplash

In a remarkable underwater discovery, wreck divers uncovered a heavily armed 18th-century pirate ship between Morocco and Spain off the coast. The ship, identified as a Barbary pirate, is a rare find and the first to be discovered in the heart of the Barbary Coast, an area notorious for its centuries-long reign of terror on the high seas.

The ship, which now rests on the ocean floor, was armed to the teeth with four large cannons, 10 swivel guns, and a cache of muskets—indicating its readiness for combat and its role in the violent piracy that plagued the Mediterranean from the 17th to the early 19th centuries. The vessel, believed to be from the period between 1740 and 1760, offers a unique glimpse into the world of Barbary piracy, a lesser-known yet significant chapter in maritime history.

A Serendipitous Discovery

The wreck was originally discovered in 2005 by Odyssey Marine Exploration (OME), a Florida-based company. The team was on a mission to locate the HMS Sussex, a lost English warship, when they stumbled upon the corsair ship at a depth of approximately 823 meters (2,700 feet) in international waters. Despite its significant historical value, the discovery was kept under wraps until it was featured in the summer 2024 issue of Wreckwatch magazine.

A Pirate’s Arsenal and Cultural Clues

The ship’s arsenal and artifacts provide valuable insights into the life and operations of the Barbary pirates. In addition to the heavy weaponry, the wreck contained pots and pans from Algiers, suggesting the ship may have disguised itself as a trading vessel. Researchers believe the ship was likely en route to Spain to raid settlements when caught in a storm and sank.

Artifacts such as pottery and glassware, including Ottoman bowls and European glass bottles, helped researchers date the wreck. “The tightest dating comes from the glass bottles that were blown, at latest, 1740-1760. So the ship can’t postdate 1760,” explained Sean Kingsley, an archaeologist and editor-in-chief of Wreckwatch magazine.

Preserving a Piece of Piracy’s Past

Despite the centuries underwater, parts of the wreck were exceptionally well preserved. The lower third of the hull remained undisturbed, shielded from divers and fishing boats. At the same time, the upper parts were damaged by shipworms—nature’s own shipwreck scavengers.

This discovery is a triumph for maritime archaeology and a reminder of the historical significance of the Barbary pirates. These pirates, often overshadowed by their Caribbean counterparts, played a pivotal role in shaping the history of the Mediterranean and Europe. From the 16th to the early 19th century, Barbary pirates, operating out of cities like Algiers, terrorized European waters, capturing ships and enslaving their crews.

As researchers continue to study the wreck, they hope to uncover more about the ship’s origins, crew, and the final voyage that led it to its watery grave. The discovery offers a rare and tangible connection to a bygone era of piracy, bringing to life the harrowing stories of the past and the enduring legacy of the Barbary pirates.