HMS Colossus Wrecking Project 2017

Abstract

Fieldwork was undertaken by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Maritime Archaeology Society (CISMAS) for two weeks in May 2017. Large areas of the seabed around the stern site were searched in detail in order to better understand the events leading to the present disposition of wreck material on the seabed. This was mainly prompted by the proposal of a new wrecking theory by CISMAS in 2015. This project revisits the loss of the ship, the historic salvage of the wreck and the rediscovery of the site and subsequent excavation by Roland Morris in the 1970s. The evolution of our understanding of how and where Colossus was wrecked is examined in some detail. This is followed by an explanation of the new wrecking theory - and how the results of this year's survey accord with it. The Colossus survey 2017 archive consists mainly of a report and a collection of photographs and videos documenting the discoveries made during the survey. A single fragment of pottery was recovered and this has been deposited in the Isles of Scilly Museum