The Government’s Archaeological Diving Unit, ADU, has completed a two week survey of HMS Colossus wrecked to the south of Samson.
The Colossus, part of Nelson’s fleet, was returning from the Battle of the Nile, with tonnes of Greek pottery. In the 1970s, divers discovered the wreck, extracting what they thought was most of the pottery.
A recent rediscovery of the wreck saw the unveiling of a 10-foot Neoclassical Warrior statue amongst the wreckage. Mac Mace, a local diver, also believes that there is still more pottery to be found. He has been working with the ADU.
The new discoveries were first spotted by an amateur diver operating from St. Mary’s. He first found a hand then uncovered the whole arm of the statue. He was so amazed at what he had discovered under the sand that he covered it up again in fear that the exposure could ruin the artefact.
HMS Colossus is said to be in a ‘very good state of preservation’. The port side hull is buried in the sand. The ADU have been contemplating removing the statue from the sea bed. The ADU have decided to leave any such attempt until next summer because the weather would be too unpredictable to carry out a major operation such as this. They have taken specialist precautions to make sure this archaeological marvel will survive the winter storms.