A fascinating discovery has emerged from the depths of the Mediterranean—a pirate shipwreck lying about 2,700 feet below the surface. The vessel, measuring around 45 feet in length, was located in international waters between Morocco and Spain.
This shipwreck was uncovered by Odyssey Marine Exploration (OME) back in 2005, but the details have remained under wraps until now. The full account will be featured in the upcoming summer 2024 issue of Wreckwatch magazine, which delves into the history of piracy.
The wreck is connected to the Barbary corsairs, infamous Muslim pirates from North Africa who terrorized European waters during the post-medieval period. Algiers, now the capital of Algeria, was a notorious hub for these corsairs, drawing in individuals who sought fortune through piracy. By the late 16th century, Algiers’ population swelled to approximately 60,000.
© Seascape Artifact Exhibits Inc.
Discovered during a search for the English flagship HMS Sussex, lost in 1694, this corsair shipwreck came as a surprise to OME. They have discovered over 300 shipwrecks, and the significance of this find is especially notable since it’s the first wreck linked to Algiers.
The ship’s well-preserved hull, resting undisturbed, offers a glimpse into the life of a corsair. Although only the lower third of the hull remains due to natural erosion, it is believed the rest might still be intact beneath the seabed.
Evidence found at the site, including pottery and weaponry, confirms its identity as an Algiers corsair ship. Armed with muskets and cannons, it was designed for piracy with a cosmopolitan cargo reflecting its diverse plunders. Notably, artifacts like liquor bottles and tea bowls reveal the international aspects of its voyages.
While experts have yet to date the construction of the ship accurately, the evidence suggests it may have sunk around 1760, potentially during a storm while it was targeting Spanish settlements for raiding.
Ultimately, this discovery not only adds a vital piece to the puzzle of pirate history, but it also highlights the perilous life of corsairs and their role in shaping Mediterranean maritime trade dynamics.
As Algiers faced numerous attacks from European forces due to its ties to piracy, it would eventually fall under French rule in 1830, marking the decline of its corsair era.