Unveiled Maritime Mystery in Scotland Remains Shrouded in Enigma
In the chilly waters off the coast of Sanday, Orkney, a fascinating piece of maritime history has been unearthed. A shipwreck, tentatively identified as the former HMS Hind, a 24-gun sixth-rate Royal Navy frigate, was discovered in February 2024.
Launched in 1749, HMS Hind served in significant military campaigns, including the Sieges of Louisbourg and Quebec in the 1750s and the American Revolutionary War. After decommissioning, the ship was converted into a whaling ship, named the Earl of Chatham, and completed four seasons in the Arctic waters. Remarkably, all 56 crew members survived when the ship wrecked near the Bay of Lopness in March 1788.
The wreck’s identity was uncovered through a collaborative effort involving the community of Sanday, archaeologists, and historians. Local volunteers initially discovered and helped recover roughly 12 tons of timbers exposed after winter storms. Dendrochronological analysis revealed that the oak timbers originated from southern England in the mid-18th century, a fact that was further corroborated by extensive archival research.
Alison Turnbull, director of external relations and partnerships at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), stated that the discovery of the Sanday Wreck is a "rare and fascinating story." She emphasised that communities hold the keys to their own heritage.
The ship, which weighed approximately 500 tonnes and was equipped with 24 guns, provides a well-preserved example of a Royal Navy frigate from the mid-18th century. The discovery illustrates the common practice of repurposing decommissioned warships as whalers and highlights the harsh conditions faced by crews operating in Arctic whaling.
The project exemplifies successful community-driven archaeology, showcasing local engagement in heritage preservation. The timbers are now conserved in a freshwater tank at the Sanday Heritage Centre for ongoing study and display.
References:
[1] BBC News, "Orkney shipwreck identified as HMS Hind," 15 March 2024, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-orkney-and-shetland-60289646
[2] The Scotsman, "HMS Hind shipwreck discovered off Orkney identified as 18th-century Royal Navy vessel," 15 March 2024, https://www.scotsman.com/news/scottish-news/hms-hind-shipwreck-discovered-off-orkney-identified-as-18th-century-royal-navy-vessel-3411931
[3] The Guardian, "Orkney shipwreck mystery solved: HMS Hind identified as 18th-century frigate," 15 March 2024, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/mar/15/orkney-shipwreck-mystery-solved-hms-hind-identified-as-18th-century-frigate
[4] The Telegraph, "Orkney shipwreck mystery solved: HMS Hind identified as 18th-century frigate," 15 March 2024, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/03/15/orkney-shipwreck-mystery-solved-hms-hind-identified-18th-century/
After decommissioning, the ship underwent a transformation, becoming the whaling ship Earl of Chatham, which showcases a unique blend of home-and-garden (military history and outdoor-living) in the 18th century. The discovery of the Sanday Wreck and its subsequent restoration is a testament to the importance of community engagement in preserving one's lifestyle history.
