Danish ships involved in transatlantic slave trade uncovered off Costa Rica
Archaeologists have uncovered a pair of Danish slave ships that sank off the Central American coast in 1710, shedding more light on the role played by Denmark in the transatlantic trafficking of humans in the 18th century.
Researchers analysed timber and bricks taken from the shipwrecks during an underwater excavation off Costa Rica in 2023, and assessed samples, including clay pipes, from their cargo.
The analysis revealed that the ships were most likely slave trade vessels Fridericus Quartus and Christianus Quintus, two of the 'most dramatic shipwrecks' in the history of Denmark.
'The bricks are Danish and same goes for the timbers which are additionally charred and sooty from a fire,' David Gregory, marine archaeologist from the National Museum of Denmark, said. 'This fits perfectly with the historical accounts stating that one of the ships was burnt.'
Researchers analysed tree ring patterns on the oak wood from one of the sunken ships and found the timbers originated in the western part of the Baltic Sea encompassing the northeastern German province of Mecklenburg, Denmark, and Scania.
They estimated that the tree was cut down sometime between 1690 and 1695.
Some of the wood was found charred and sooty, confirming historical accounts of one of the vessels being set ablaze.
Bricks taken from the shipwrecks were found to be similar to Flensburg bricks used in Denmark and Danish colonies, researchers said.
The clay pipe too was found to be of Danish origin, likely from the Flensburg Fjord region, which in the 18th century was home to a sizeable brickmaking industry.
According to historical records, Fridericus Quartus was set afire while Christianus Quintus got wrecked in the surf after its anchor rope was cut.
The two wrecks were known to lie in the shallow waters off the Cahuita National Park in Costa Rica but were for long thought to be pirate ships, until the discovery of strange yellow bricks on one of them in 2015 raised questions among American marine archaeologists.
Such bricks, it was known, were used in Denmark and Danish colonies in the 18th and 19th centuries.
'The analyses are very convincing and we no longer have any doubts that these are the wrecks of the two Danish slave ships,' Dr Gregory said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Migrant and his dog are rescued from Channel after spending three days adrift in a dinghy after its motor failed
The dog is the sixth pooch known to have entered the UK by small boat LOST AND HOUND Migrant and his dog are rescued from Channel after spending three days adrift in a dinghy after its motor failed A MIGRANT was rescued with his dog after surviving for three days in a rubber dinghy adrift in The Channel. The Afghan man, who gave his name as Barry, told rescuers he found pet Bella in a French refugee camp while fleeing the Taliban. Advertisement 2 A migrant named Barry was rescued with his dog after surviving for three days in a rubber dinghy adrift in The Channel 2 An Afghan migrant told rescuers he found pet dog Bella in a French refugee camp while fleeing the Taliban Credit: Eddie Mitchell They set sail on the dangerous 21-mile journey earlier this week but the boat's engine failed before they reached Britain. Emergency services spotted a red distress flare fired at sea around 6.30pm on Wednesday off the coast of Brighton, East Sussex. A HM Coastguard helicopter helped bring Barry and Bella to shore an hour later alongside rescue teams and RNLI lifeboats. They were met by Sussex Police officers who transferred them to Border Force. Advertisement READ MORE ON MIGRATION BOUND FOR BRITAIN Speaking French & German… migrants booted out of EU heading to Britain The dog, believed to be a Lancashire Heeler, is the sixth pooch known to have entered the UK by small boat. Others were a mixed breed, Jack Russell, pomeranian, Yorkshire terrier and chihuahua, as previously revealed by The Sun. Due to not having correct documentation, they are quarantined for up to four months to prevent spreading infectious diseases like rabies. A Sussex Police spokesman said: 'Police assisted HM Coastguard following a report of a man in a boat off the coast of Brighton on Wednesday. Advertisement 'The man and a dog were safely brought to shore and passed to Border Force officials.' A HM Coastguard spokesman added: 'HM Coastguard has responded to reports of a person in the water in waters between Brighton Marina and Pier. 'A man was located safe and well in a vessel that had reportedly experienced engine issues.'
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Be sure to oil your doors...or this is bound to happen
Education Correspondent John Mulholland provides us with the following vignette, which illustrates the challenges faced by teachers... Teacher: 'Now that I have explained the meaning of the word 'aftermath,' would someone like to give me a sentence containing the word 'aftermath'?' Pupil: 'My timetable on a Friday is a disaster because I get two periods of English after Math.' 'How ridiculous,' says John. 'Everyone in Scotland should know it's Maths.' Fighting talk WE'RE discussing those muddling modes of language known as malapropisms. Derek Blakey worked with a lady famous for her unique turn of phrase. She once revealed that while watching a TV documentary about the Second World War, she was impressed by the heroism of the famous fighting force, the Gherkins. Says Derek: 'One thing they did do, was get us out of a pickle.' Read more: Finding yourself in one of Glasgow's less than salubrious watering holes Forging a friendship ENJOYING a sip of an alcoholic beverage in an Edinburgh hostelry, reader Sheila Davis overheard two ladies in deep conference at a nearby table. Said one to the other: 'She's what I call an AI person.' 'What d'you mean?' asked her confused companion. 'You know,' said the first lady. 'Totally fake.' Dead cruel AN unholy confession from reader Roddy Ferguson, who says: 'If my grandmother knew how much I spent on her funeral, she'd be rolling over in her ditch.' World affairs INTERNATIONAL diplomacy is sadly in short supply nowadays. Though we are delighted to report that there are still some enclaves of sophisticated statecraft, in the Glasgow suburb of Bearsden, no less. Reader Brian Clark and his wife were at a dinner party in that delightful neck of the woods the other evening. After the food had been duly scoffed, the chap of the house stood up and said to his guests: 'Let me take you to the United Nations.' 'What?' said a confused Brian. 'Come on,' continued mine host, 'it's in my living room.' Brian's confusion immediately evaporated upon being guided to the room in question, where he was, indeed, confronted by a fully operational UN. A well-stocked drinks cabinet containing... German beer, French wine and Scotch whisky. Candy-coated crash-out THE working world can be harsh. Peter Wright from West Kilbride says: 'I was fired from my very first job as a quality controller at M&M's. I kept rejecting the Ws.'
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Moment Prince Harry practices his German as he shares video message to mark country's first Veteran's Day
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PRINCE Harry practised his German as he shared a video message to mark the country's first ever Veteran's Day. The Duke of Sussex said it was a "profound privilege" to deliver the message on the "sacred day". Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Prince Harry practised his German in a video message 3 The Duke of Sussex served two tours of Afghanistan Credit: PA 3 Prince Harry in his younger days during a parade at Sandhurst Credit: AFP Harry started his speech in German, greeting members of the country with their native tongue by saying "Guten Tag Deutschland!" He continued: "My last visit to your remarkable country was to Düsseldorf two years ago for the Invictus Games, and it remains etched in my memory. "The warmth, the enthusiasm, and the unwavering support shown by the German people for our global community of wounded service personnel was truly humbling. You certainly delivered on your promise to create a home for respect. "That spirit of camaraderie, forged on the sports field, mirrors the unbreakable bond that connects veterans of all nations. We understand each other, regardless of flag or uniform, bound by shared experiences and an enduring commitment to service. "Veterans are more than warriors—they are leaders. Living testaments to resilience and moral courage, they understand that loyalty must never lie with power alone, but with the people. With truth." During the video, Harry wore numerous ceremonial medals that he was awarded in the past. This included the Afghan campaign medal, golden jubilee medal, diamond jubilee medal and platinum jubilee medal. Harry continued in his speech: "As someone who has worn the uniform and stood shoulder to shoulder with brothers-and sisters-in-arms from across the world - including many of you - I know that the weight of service is not carried lightly. "We serve not to glorify war, but to protect peace. Not to follow a single voice, but to uphold a collective oath—to country, to people, and to the principles that bind us together as free nations. "Germany has shown the world how memory, accountability, and unity can be turned into strength. In these turbulent times, your role in safeguarding peace and stability in Europe has never been more critical. "To the brave men and women of the Bundeswehr - a heartfelt thank you for your steadfast service to your country, to your people and to one another. Today is also a celebration of you, the values you stand for, the oath you took and the great country you stand to protect. "Today, let us renew our commitment—together—to protect the freedoms that define who we are, to serve each other for peace, for dignity and for the enduring promise of democracy. "Vielen dank und einen schonen tag." It comes just 24 hours after the Royals all came out in formal attire for Trooping the Colour. Wills wore the Full Ceremonial Guard Order of the Welsh Guards yesterday during the parade. Prince William saluted while on horseback, alongside Princess Anne and the Duke of Edinburgh. Kate, meanwhile, looked elegant in an aquamarine Catherine Walker coatdress with ivory lapels and cuffs. Both King Charles and Prince William were spotted wearing a black armband as they made their way down The Mall. Those at the parade also held a minute's silence following the devastating crash.
