Volunteer divers restore dive trail at shipwreck of HMS Colossus off the Isles of Scilly
Iconic wreck site off Isles of Scilly now accessible to divers and virtual audiences
A revamp to the HMS Colossus dive trail off the Isles of Scilly has revitalised the underwater museum and now offers a virtual journey into maritime history.
Historic England collaborated with volunteer divers from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Maritime Archaeology Society (CISMAS) to breathe new life into the wreck site, making it accessible to both divers and virtual audiences.
As part of the project, volunteer divers cleared away marine growth from archaeological artefacts, including cannons and rudder fittings, and installed updated dive stations for their trail routes
The team assessed the wreck's current condition and captured new visual content to highlight the site's dynamic marine environment and maritime significance.
The History
The HMS Colossus, a formidable 74-gun Royal Navy warship, launched from Gravesend, Kent in 1787, played a pivotal role in naval encounters at Toulon, Groix, Cape St. Vincent, and Cadiz.
In December 1798, the ship met its fate when its anchor cable failed amid a storm off the Isles of Scilly, forcing it to run aground near Samson Island.
Remarkably, 594 of the 595 crew members were rescued before the vessel broke apart.
Besides its exploits in battle, the HMS Colossus is renowned for carrying a collection of ancient Greek ceramics belonging to Sir William Hamilton, a famed British diplomat and antiquarian.
Fragments from this collection have been recovered from the wreck and are now preserved at the British Museum.
The Wreck
Counted among England's 57 Protected Wreck Sites, HMS Colossus enjoys the highest level of preservation under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973, limiting exploration to licensed divers.
Historic England remains open to licence applications for enthusiasts eager to explore this nautical relic.
The Trail
The refurbished trail features two circular routes highlighting key elements of the wreck, complete with numbered seabed stations and a revised waterproof guide.
Boasting clear waters and thriving marine life, the site promises one of England's most captivating underwater explorations.
Divers can witness the seabed scattered with historical muskets and upright cannons emerging from gun ports. Some of these impressive cannons measure 2.75 metres and weigh nearly two tonnes.
For those unable to venture underwater, an encompassing virtual tour replicates the dive trail through intricate 3D models, dive footage, and photography.
Quotes such as those from Hefin Meara of Historic England reflect on the accessibility to England's maritime treasures, while Kevin Camidge of CISMAS encourages divers with the promise of viewing upright cannons—a sight to behold.
Izzy Allsop from Isles of Scilly Dive Charters praised the team for their efforts, making the site a must-see from marine, archaeological, and ecological perspectives.