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A significant maritime discovery has occurred off Morocco’s coast, with the revelation of a 17th-century Barbary corsair shipwreck in the Strait of Gibraltar. The wreck, a tartane—a small but formidable vessel renowned for its triangular sails and oars—was discovered approximately 830 meters deep. This vessel, outfitted with four large cannons, ten swivel guns, and numerous muskets, highlights the ship’s military prowess and the strategic threat posed by Barbary corsairs.
Maritime Discovery Unveils Historic Corsair Wreck 830 meters.
Historical Context and Discovery Details
The tartane was initially uncovered by Odyssey Marine Exploration (OME) in 2005 during their search for the English warship HMS Sussex, lost in 1694. Greg Stemm, founder of OME, noted that their search also revealed other ancient wrecks, including those of Roman and Phoenician origin. This discovery adds to the historical significance of the Barbary Coast, a region that once spanned from modern-day Morocco to Libya and was notorious for pirate activity.
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Insights into Corsair Operations
Maritime archaeologist Sean Kingsley described the find as the first Algiers corsair discovered in the Barbary heartland, perfectly aligning with the profile of notorious corsairs known for their raids in the Strait of Gibraltar. The ship’s cargo—pots and pans from Algiers, glass liquor bottles from Belgium or Germany, and tea bowls from Ottoman Turkey—suggests a deceptive façade of trade while engaging in illicit activities. This revelation underscores the Barbary corsairs’ role in capturing and enslaving individuals, further illustrating their impact on maritime history and the region’s past.
