Shipwreck with royal cargo worth hundreds of millions 'found off Fife coast'

A shipwreck containing royal cargo, which was lost off the coast of Fife in 1633, is believed to have been found.

The Blessing of Burntisland carried goods and people across the Firth of Forth to Leith in the early 17th century.

During Charles I’s coronation tour in July 1633, the vessel sank due to unexpectedly rough waters.

Only two of the 35 crew members survived the incident. At the time of the sinking, the vessel was carrying royal cargo worth £100,000.

According to the Burntisland Harbour Access Trust (BHAT), the items, including a gold-and-silver dinner service commissioned by Henry VIII, could now be worth several hundred million pounds.

The then King watched the ship sink from the deck of the Dreadnought and blamed the incident on a coven of witches who were later executed.

Ian Archibald, convenor of Burntisland Heritage SCIO (BH), has led a dedicated team of volunteers in the search for the Blessing over the last three decades.

The team now believes there is evidence that “strongly points” to the wreck being that of the Blessing. A core sample of timber has been taken and declared to the UK Government’s Receiver of Wreck.

It is understood that further declarations would be needed before more recoveries could be made.

If it is indeed the Blessing, the BHAT has proposed the creation of a museum and visitor centre to allow members of the public to learn more about the historic vessel and view any items recovered from the wreck