Wreck of Danish warship, remains of sailor found 225 years after attack by Horatio Nelson's British fleet

Wreck of Danish warship, remains of sailor found 225 years after attack by Horatio Nelson's British fleet

CBS News world

Key Points:

  • Marine archaeologists have discovered the wreck of the Danish warship Dannebroge and part of a sailor's jaw in Copenhagen Harbor, 225 years after it was sunk during the 1801 Battle of Copenhagen by Admiral Horatio Nelson and the British fleet.
  • The Dannebroge, Denmark's flagship and a key target for Nelson, caught fire and exploded during the battle, which was a brutal naval clash resulting in thousands of casualties and aimed at forcing Denmark out of a Northern European alliance.
  • Divers are working under challenging conditions with low visibility and thick sediment to excavate the site before it is covered by construction for Lynetteholm, a new housing district expected to be completed by 2070.
  • Artifacts recovered include cannons, uniforms, insignia, shoes, bottles, and skeletal remains, offering insights into the battle and the lives of those aboard, potentially enriching Denmark's national historical narrative.
  • The discovery coincides with other recent underwater archaeological finds in the Baltic region, highlighting renewed interest in maritime history and preservation amid modern development projects.

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