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The Wreck of the Halsewell, Seadart Divers Association
Above: The site where East Indiaman The Halsewell met her end on January 6th, 1786. Image Seadart Divers Association.
The wreck of the Halsewell lies 3 miles west of the Swanage Lighthouse, between St. Albans Head and Anvil Point, in 1 to 10 metres of water. Due to having been wrecked against cliffs, the ship would have been smashed to pieces (in both the original storm and in every storm since 1786) and the artefacts and cargo it was carrying were probably scattered over a large area.
Above: Seadart Salvage boat Cave Cave over the Halsewell wreck site, near Swanage. Image Seadart Divers Association.
Above: Seadart Diver Chris uses an air filled lift bag to move boulders off the Halsewell wreck site. Image Seadart Divers Association.
The Seadart divers report that the wreck site is covered in boulders, which makes recovery of material from ship particularly difficult and time consuming. The Seadart salvage team use Acrow props and hydraulic jacks to support the rocks and boulders that are too heavy move so that they can excavate under and around them safely.
Above: Seadart salvage diver Bob working under an overhang on the Halsewell wreck site. Image Seadart Divers Association.
Above left: Spanish 8 Reale solid silver coin. Above right: George III solid gold Half Guinea. Both from the Halsewell wreck site. Images Seadart Divers Association.
External Links
Seadart Divers Association Official Web Site
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