A community heritage group believes it has located the wreck of the Blessing of Burntisland, a timber ferry that sank in Scotland nearly four centuries ago while carrying royal baggage and treasure across the Firth of Forth.
Burntisland Heritage Trust said that underwater surveys, physical exploration and the recovery of timber had identified a possible wreck-site about 1.5km from the Fife town of Burntisland, describing the evidence as “promising”.
The Blessing foundered in unexpectedly rough weather in July 1633, while sailing from Burntisland to Leith during the Stuart King Charles I’s Scottish coronation tour. Only two of the 35 passengers and crew onboard are believed to have survived.
The ferry was reportedly transporting royal possessions valued at about £100,000 at the time, including jewellery, textiles, coins and precious-metal plate.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 