In a remarkable exploration of maritime history, researchers have uncovered long-buried secrets of a Spanish warship that met its tragic fate over two centuries ago. Spanish authorities made this thrilling announcement on Thursday, shedding light on the incredible discoveries surrounding the Santa María Magdalena, a Spanish Navy frigate that succumbed to a powerful storm in 1810.
This ongoing investigation, led by the Spanish Federation of Underwater Activities, initially aimed at preserving the submerged vessel but has since evolved into a captivating saga of unprecedented revelations.
Notably, this shipwreck is the sole relic of its era currently undergoing excavation in Spain, having gained recognition in a 2020 documentary recounting its storied past.
The tragic tale of the Santa María Magdalena unfolded in October 1810, as it embarked on a joint Spanish-British mission to liberate a city under French rule during Spain’s War of Independence. Armed with 34 cannons and a rich history of service, the ship’s misfortune struck when it lost its anchors and became ensnared in a sudden and ferocious tempest, ultimately sinking in November 1810.
This catastrophe claimed the lives of an estimated 500 sailors and soldiers, marking it as one of Spain’s most profound maritime tragedies. According to wrecksite.eu, an online repository tracking shipwrecks, only eight individuals managed to survive and swim to the safety of the shore, tragically, five of them later succumbed to their injuries.
One of the most striking revelations from this ongoing excavation is the exceptional preservation of approximately 86 square feet of the frigate’s lining boards along the bilge, remarkably free from structural or biological damage.
The bilge, where a ship’s bottom meets its sides, stands as a testament to the ship’s unparalleled uniqueness in terms of preservation. Overall, the Santa María Magdalena is found to be in an extraordinary state of conservation, defying the passage of centuries.
As reported by the local newspaper La Voz de Galicia, the primary objective of this expedition is to meticulously map the ship’s structure and unravel the secrets of its construction. This demanding task requires underwater archaeologists to painstakingly remove sand and sediment that has accumulated over time.
Lead investigator and underwater archaeologist Antón López shared with La Voz de Galicia that their findings include the discovery of ballasts and ammunition aboard the ship, effectively transforming it into a veritable underwater museum.
The Spanish Federation of Underwater Activities emphasizes that these astounding discoveries breathe life into Spain’s naval history. Each find pays homage to the brave sailors and soldiers who faced perilous waters more than two centuries ago, ensuring that their legacy endures through the annals of time.