Current Work
The underwater archaeological investigation of the Yarmouth Roads Wreck took place between 1984 and 1989. The cost of funding required to undertake such a project is high. Funds have not since been available to continue active investigation of the site. However, the site has been monitored to check that the seabed sediments covering the wreck have remained stable.
During 2004, the HWTMA Archaeological Officer became the Licensee for the Yarmouth Roads Protected Wreck Site. This mid 16th century vessel was discovered in 1984 during the IOW Maritime Heritage Project. Parts of the wreck were investigated through excavation and finds were raised, recorded and conserved. This project was one of the driving forces behind the formation of the HWTMA, so we are pleased to be actively involved in the site.
Diving on the wreck site in 2005 showed that there are some timbers visible on the seabed. Areas of the site were covered in sand bags at the end of the 1980's excavation work. The sandbags were still visible, although some of are now torn and degraded. Photographs of the site were taken, these will help with monitoring the site between seasons by providing a visual record of the wreck remains.
In 2009 an inspection of the Yarmouth Roads Protected wreck site was completed in conjunction with the Solent Marine Heritage Assets project. The diver survey revealed that the Yarmouth Roads protected wreck site remains a relatively stable site. No noticeable changes were observed in this monitoring dive compared to the last HWTMA dive on site in 2005, with the sandbags covering the site remaining in a similar state of degradation. Only limited amounts of wooden structure are visible above the seabed.
