(Studland, February 9, 2026) — Remains of a shipwreck discovered off the coast of Studland, Dorset, may be from a vessel predating 1700, according to Historic England.
Archaeologists are investigating timbers revealed at Studland Bay that could be part of a historically significant shipwreck.
- The Swash Channel wreck is one of 57 shipwrecks protected under the 1973 Protection of Wrecks Act.
- Remains potentially dating before 1700 are considered exceptionally rare.
- Visitors are urged not to touch the exposed timbers to help protect the site.
Archaeologists are examining timbers exposed at Studland Bay that could be from the Swash Channel wreck, a site designated under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973.
Hefin Meara, a maritime archaeologist from Historic England, stated that firmly dated remains of vessels predating 1700 are “exceptionally rare.” Meara added, “We can’t say for certain that these fragments come from that wreck site, but it’s an intriguing possibility.”
Legal Protections for Wrecks
The Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 provides legal protection to designated shipwrecks, meaning any disturbance or interference requires an official license. The Swash Channel wreck is one of only 57 shipwrecks around the coast of England to receive this designation, according to Historic England.
It is hoped that the timbers revealed at Studland will eventually be displayed at Poole Museum. Until then, visitors have been urged to help protect the site by not touching the exposed timbers.
“Protected wrecks have legal protection, meaning that any disturbance or interference is only permitted under an official licence,” said Hefin Meara of Historic England.
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