Royal Charlotte's history unveiled

THE wreck of the Royal Charlotte has been located by the team of marine archaeologists who set out from the Gladstone Harbour on January 4.

Australian National Maritime Museum curator and maritime archaeologist Kieran Hosty and the 24 divers and observers were aiming to uncover the history of the wreck of the Indian-built ship.

"We are elated," Mr Hosty said.

"Very few Indian-built ships have been identified and surveyed and there has been much excitement in the expedition team.

"Locating the remains of the Royal Charlotte provides us with interesting historical detail and information on convict and troop transportation in the 19th century."

The 471-ton (427 tonne), wooden, three-masted Royal Charlotte was en route to India with a contingent of troops when, during a gale, it ran aground in June 1825 on the inaccurately charted Frederick Reef.

Blog

To read the blog of the Frederick Reef expedition visit http://www.anmm.gov.au