The Theseus, found buried under the waters of the Atlantic
Archaeologists are dreaming about it and it could become a reality! In the Morbihan, 6 miles northeast of the Island of Hoedic, in the Bay of Quiberon, archaeologists believe they have discovered the wreck of the Thésée. This 74-gun ship was one of the flagships of the Royal Navy, sunk in 1759 during the Battle of the Cardinals. "It is an extraordinary wreck, a brand new boat sunk without having suffered enemy fire, and protected by a thick layer of mud" explained Jean-Michel Kéroullé, president of the Maritime Archaeology Society of Morbihan.
The wreck was first located in 2009 and qualified as a "grail of French underwater archaeology" by Jean-Michel Kéroullé would rest "under 2.5 m of silt and 20 cm of shell concretions" according to Patrice Brunet, president of the Vaisseau Thésée association and vice-president of the Yacht Club de France. Exploratory dives conducted under the authority of the Ministry of Culture have made it possible to discover "on 50 cm a piece of wood in very good condition, of which a sample will be analyzed" still according to Patrice Brunet, and which confirms the researchers in their idea to have found the Theseus.
The Battle of the Cardinals opposed 21 French ships to 26 English ships on November 20, 1759 near the rocks of Hoedic. It was one of the most important naval battles but also one of the biggest defeats of the Royale. Among the 8 ships lost in the battle, the Thésée, which had just left the Brest shipyards, was the only one to sink intact, since its sinking was due to an accident: after having tacked suddenly, the gun ports (openings for the cannons) filled with water and sent the ship to the bottom.
If the wreck is indeed that of the Theseus, "it contains, in addition to the bodies of the sailors, all that could be contained in a ship leaving for a long campaign at sea, from food to the armament, including crockery and fittings" explains Olivia Hulot, expert at the Department of Underwater Archaeological Research (DRASSM). Having herself dived to meet the wreck, she describes it as "an exceptional site" since "the storage environment is optimal: cold, without light and anaerobic" .
The Vaisseau Thésée Association is inspired by the Vasa to refloat the wreck
Refloating a ship is technically feasible and is reminiscent of the Vasa, which sank in Stockholm Bay in 1628 during its maiden voyage and was refloated in 1961. However, it is an extremely costly and time-consuming operation. "It will take several years and some 20 million euros, including conservation costs, for the underwater excavations alone" says Mrs. Hulot. "Given the thickness of the silt and the extreme turbidity of the water, this is a titanic undertaking." . But that could be worth it if we base it on the Vasa, which has attracted more than 20 million spectators since its refloating.
