RESEARCH ON TANK BAY SHIPWRECK Tuesday 27th August 2024
Groundbreaking Research on Tank Bay Shipwreck in English Harbour Nears Completion
The National Parks Authority (NPA), in collaboration with the University of the Antilles in Martinique (UA) and the Association of Archaeology for the Petite Antilles (AAPA), has concluded the third research campaign on the Tank Bay shipwreck in English Harbour. This significant milestone marks the end of current funding but not the ongoing research.
This year’s findings further unveil the wreck site, identified as the French blockade runner Lyon, captured in 1778. Rediscovered in 2013, the site has emerged as one of the Caribbean’s largest wooden shipwrecks.
With a storied past as a French East India Company trading vessel, the Lyon was repurposed in 1777 to support the American Revolution before being captured by HMS Maidstone. Key artifacts, including Chinese trade porcelain, highlight the ship’s role in global trade and history.
Parks Commissioner Ann-Marie Martin praised the discovery, noting its potential to diversify Antigua’s heritage tourism and strengthen ties with Martinique. Dr. Jean-Sebastien Guibert from UA emphasized the ship’s uniqueness and its contribution to understanding Caribbean naval history.
As this phase concludes, there’s hope for continued collaboration and training, with future support from France enhancing cultural ties and tourism.
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