Armada wreck discovered off Donegal
- On 06/08/2011
- In Underwater Archeology
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Belfast Telegraph
The wreckage of a sunken vessel believed to be from the Spanish Armada has been discovered off the Donegal coast.
Underwater archaeologists are to explore the historic wreck, located in shallow waters in Rutland Harbour, near Burtonport.
Evidence uncovered during a dive survey revealed the vessel was likely to be a 16th-century ship, possibly part of the 1588 Spanish Armada.
Heritage minister Jimmy Deenihan has granted 50,000 euro for the excavation by the underwater archaeology unit from his department's National Monuments Service.
He said the discovery was a major find of significance not only to Ireland but also to the international archaeological, historical and maritime communities.
"If, in fact, it proves to be an Armada vessel, it could constitute one of the most intact of these wrecks discovered to date," he said.
"It could provide huge insight into life on board and the reality of the military and naval resources available to the Armada campaign."
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