Researchers in the United Kingdom believe they have finally identified a shipwreck discovered off England's southern coast in 1995, a mystery that has taken nearly 30 years to unravel. The vessel has been identified as the Dutch trading ship Dom van Keulen, which sank in the fall of 1633 after springing a leak.

The identification was announced in June by Bournemouth University and involved a collaborative effort between researchers and divers from the British Museum, Bournemouth University, and the South West Maritime Archaeology Group. The wreck was initially discovered near Salcombe, Devon, in 1995, and at the time, divers recovered more than 400 Moroccan gold coins. However, the ship's identity and origin remained unknown for decades.

The Dom van Keulen set sail from Morocco for the Netherlands carrying a cargo that included 150 bags of gum arabic, 64 bags of saltpeter, 320 goat skins, and approximately 9,000 Barbary ducats, or Moroccan gold coins. According to Professor Dave Parham of Bournemouth University, most of the cargo was likely salvaged at the time, but over 400 coins remained on the seabed.

While little is known about the ship's exact appearance, the wreck site measures approximately 98 feet long and rests about 59 feet below the surface. Cannons, anchors, and other artifacts are scattered across the seabed.

Collection of gold coins and jewelry from a 17th-century Dutch shipwreck.

The presence of the Moroccan coins, combined with dating evidence from other finds, was crucial in focusing the historical research. The findings are detailed in the recently published book "From Morocco to the Coast of England: The Story of the Dom van Keulen and its Remarkable Cargo." Researchers noted that the ship carried what would be considered general cargo for the era, with the gold coins being a key element in solving the wreck's identity.

This discovery highlights the ongoing potential for underwater archaeological finds and the importance of international collaboration in piecing together historical maritime mysteries. All crew members of the Dom van Keulen reportedly survived the sinking.