Danish warship sunk by Adm. Horatio Nelson found in Copenhagen Harbor

Key Points:

• Marine archaeologists have discovered the wreck of the Danish warship Dannebroge, sunk during the 1801 Battle of Copenhagen by Admiral Horatio Nelson's British fleet, in Copenhagen Harbor beneath thick sediment and low visibility.
• The excavation, led by Denmark’s Viking Ship Museum, aims to uncover new insights into the battle and life aboard the ship before the site is overtaken by construction for a new housing district, Lynetteholm, expected to be completed by 2070.
• Artifacts recovered include cannons, uniforms, insignia, shoes, bottles, and part of a sailor’s jawbone, possibly belonging to one of the 19 missing crew members, providing a personal connection to the historic naval clash.
• The Battle of Copenhagen was a significant conflict intended to break Denmark’s alliance with Northern European powers, with the Dannebroge as the flagship targeted by Nelson; the ship caught fire and exploded, causing a deafening roar across the city.
• Archaeologists hope their findings will deepen understanding of the battle's impact on Danish history and offer a closer look at the experiences of those who fought, as the site is challenging to explore due to silt and cannonball hazards.