In a remarkable breakthrough for maritime archaeology, divers have confirmed the identity of a 17th-century warship wreck off the coast of Sanday in Orkney as HMS Hind, a vessel from Oliver Cromwell's navy lost in 1650.
A Time Capsule from Britain's Naval Past
The discovery, made by a team from the University of the Highlands and Islands, represents one of the best-preserved Cromwellian-era wrecks ever found in Scottish waters. The Hind sank during a storm while patrolling waters between Orkney and Shetland during the Third English Civil War.
What Makes This Discovery Significant?
- The wreck provides physical evidence of Cromwell's naval expansion
- Artifacts recovered offer insights into 17th-century naval warfare
- The site is remarkably intact despite nearly 400 years underwater
Dr. Colin Martin, a leading maritime archaeologist, described the find as "exceptionally important for understanding Britain's naval history during this turbulent period."
Preservation Against the Odds
Remarkably, the wreck has survived in good condition due to the sheltered location and sandy seabed. Archaeologists have already recovered several artifacts including:
- Bronze cannons bearing the Commonwealth emblem
- Navigational instruments
- Personal items belonging to the crew
The discovery comes after three years of careful investigation following the wreck's initial identification in 2022. The team used a combination of sonar scanning and targeted dives to confirm the ship's identity.
What Happens Next?
Archaeologists plan to continue studying the site, with hopes of creating a 3D digital model of the wreck. There are also discussions about displaying some artifacts locally in Orkney, though much of the material will likely be conserved at the National Museum of Scotland.
This discovery adds another fascinating chapter to Orkney's rich maritime heritage, following previous finds like the scuttled German fleet in Scapa Flow.
