These wreck sites epitomise diving with a purpose. They add meaning to recreational dives, at the same time helping record maritime heritage for future generations
Bellarmine jug, Kleine Hollandia
These wreck sites epitomise diving with a purpose. They add meaning to recreational dives, at the same time helping record maritime heritage for future generations
Klein Hollandia
Protected Wreck Since 2019 The Klein Hollandia, built in 1654 for the Admiralty of Rotterdam, was involved in major engagements during the Second Anglo-Dutch War( 1665 – 1667). She sank off the Sussex Coast in March 1672 after being boarded by English forces.
Initially referred to as the‘ Unknown Wreck off Eastbourne,’ the Klein Hollandia was found in 2019 and identified through a combination of dive surveys, archival research, and analysis of timbers. Volunteers from NAS worked alongside freelance historians and specialists from Historic England and the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands( RCE) to confirm the wreck’ s identity.
The vessel lies at a depth of 32 metres and is remarkably well preserved. Within three months of its discovery, it received protection under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. Only licensed divers via NAS may access the site, which continues to yield valuable information about 17th-century Dutch shipbuilding and operations. Future research promises to deepen understanding of Dutch maritime practices, construction techniques, and the vessel’ s final voyage.
PHOTO: JAMES CLARK
PHOTO: CATHY DE LARA
Norman’ s Bay
Protected Wreck Since 2006 Discovered accidentally by local divers in 2005 while freeing a lobster pot, the Norman’ s Bay wreck comprises at least many iron guns, timber hull structure and numerous artefacts scattered across a flat seabed of clay and sand. The mound of ballast stones and guns forms the core of the site, surrounded by shifting sediment.
Subsequent investigation, including dendrochronological sampling in 2007, revealed that the hull timbers matched treering sequences from Germany and the Low Countries, indicating a northern European origin. The wreck is thought to be the Wapen van Utrecht, a 64-gun warship lost at the Battle of Beachy Head in 1690.
The shallow 12-metre deep site located near Eastbourne features an impressive number of iron guns( 53 and counting) and a large anchor. A diver trail slate helps visitors navigate the site, which continues to yield new artefacts and historical information through ongoing investigations.
Bronze sheave, Kleine Hollandia
Diver trail guide for the Norman’ s Bay wreck
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