Sussex project
The Sussex, an 80 gun, third-rate English naval vessel was launched in 1693 and was lost with all but two of the approximately 600 crew in February 1694 during a storm off Gibraltar. The Sussex was involved in England’s efforts against Louis XIV during the War of the League of Augsburg (1689-1697 and better known as the War of the Grand Alliance). Historians believe that William III of England intended to finance the Duke of Savoy’s support against Louis XIV and that the fleet which the Sussex headed carried the subsidy. It is possible that the Sussex, as the Admiral’s flagship, was carrying the bulk of the money earmarked for the Duke of Savoy and that this cargo was lost with the vessel.
On 27 September 2002, the Ministry of Defence’s Disposal Services Agency (DSA) signed an agreement on behalf of the Government with the US firm Odyssey Marine Exploration, for the archaeological excavation of a site that is believed to be that of the Sussex. Should the wreck prove to be the Sussex it is possible that it contains a significant number of coins, which will be recovered.
For more information and a progress update, please visit the news page of the Disposal Services Agency website.
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