A section of a 17th-century historic shipwreck has surfaced on England’s southern coast after Storm Chandra shifted sand along a Dorset beach. The wooden remains appeared at Studland Bay on Jan. 28. Maritime archaeologists from Bournemouth University examined the site shortly after the discovery.
They believe the exposed timbers are part of the Swash Channel wreck, a historic vessel first identified in the 1990s. Researchers say the storm likely uncovered wood that had remained buried for centuries.
Possible link to a Dutch merchant ship
Experts believe the ship is the Fame of Hoorn, a Dutch armed merchant vessel that ran aground and sank in 1631. The Swash Channel wreck lies in a busy shipping route leading into Poole Harbour. Large sections of the vessel had been missing until now. Researchers say the newly exposed wood matches the structure and age of the known wreck.
Hull section revealed by storm
The exposed section, believed to be part of the ship’s hull, measures about 6 meters (19.6 feet) long and 2 meters (6.5 feet) wide. A large portion of internal planking is missing. According to the National Trust, this suggests the remains have stayed buried beneath sand since the 1630s.
A 17th century shipwreck has been uncovered on England’s south coast after winter storms shifted sand at Studland Bay.
Archaeologists believe the exposed timbers may belong to a Dutch merchant ship that sank in 1631. pic.twitter.com/DxUCY8dgJz— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) February 9, 2026
Tracey Churcher, general manager for the National Trust in Purbeck, said the discovery is among the most significant finds at Studland. She said the ship’s wooden tree nails remain in place after nearly 400 years. Their condition shows the skill used to build the vessel.
Scientific tests planned to confirm the origin
Researchers plan to carry out dendrochronology testing to confirm the ship’s identity. The analysis will show when and where the timber was grown. Experts will compare the results with samples already taken from the Swash Channel wreck.
The Bournemouth University team has applied to Historic England for funding to excavate the timbers, assuming the remains are confirmed as part of the protected wreck.
One of England’s rare protected wrecks
Hefin Meara, a maritime archaeologist with Historic England, said the Swash Channel wreck holds rare legal status. Only 57 shipwrecks around England’s coastline are protected under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973.
Meara said ship remains that can be firmly dated to before 1700 are exceptionally rare. He said researchers cannot yet confirm the newly exposed timbers came from the Swash Channel wreck, but described the link as a strong possibility. Protected wrecks are safeguarded by law. Any disturbance or investigation requires an official licence.
Experts hope the timbers found at Studland will eventually become part of the collection at Poole Museum. Until further work takes place, visitors have been urged not to touch the exposed wood.
A heavily armed ship of its time
Historical records show the Fame of Hoorn was a large vessel for the early 17th century. It measured about 40 meters (around 130 feet) long, 10 meters (32.8 feet) wide, and stood roughly 15 meters (49 feet) high.
The armed merchant ship could carry more than 40 guns to defend against pirates during long voyages to the Caribbean, where it transported salt back to Europe. All 45 crew members escaped safely after the ship ran aground. Soon after, people from the surrounding area looted the wreck.
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