In a significant development for maritime archaeology, archaeologists have recently confirmed the discovery of an 18th-century British warship, the HMS Tyger, resting in the waters of South Florida. The finding, which dates back to 1993 in Dry Tortugas National Park, has now been positively identified, affording it additional protection under the Sunken Military Craft Act of 2004.

The research, led by maritime archaeologist Josh Marano, highlights the importance of preservation in place for future generations of archaeologists. With access to advanced technologies and research tools, new discoveries can be made at previously examined sites. The British Government, according to international agreements, holds sovereign ownership over the remains of HMS Tyger and related artifacts.

Historical records reveal that the HMS Tyger, a naval vessel built in 1647, ran aground on the reefs of the Dry Tortugas in 1742 during the War of Jenkins Ear between Britain and Spain. The recent survey conducted by archaeologists from Dry Tortugas National Park, the Submerged Resources Center, and the Southeast Archaeological Center unveiled five cannons approximately 500 yards from the main wreckage site.

The analysis of these cannons, which were British six and nine-pound cannons thrown overboard when HMS Tyger initially ran aground, provided crucial evidence to support the argument that the wreck discovered in 1993 was indeed the remains of the historic warship. The findings have been published in the International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, solidifying the identification of the wreck as HMS Tyger.

The significance of such archaeological discoveries goes beyond mere excitement. By connecting these finds to the historical record, researchers can shed light on the experiences of the people who came before us and the events they encountered. As Park Manager James Crutchfield noted, national parks play a crucial role in preserving these untold stories as they come to light.

Dry Tortugas National Park holds another piece of maritime history, as the NPS mentioned the loss of a similar warship, HMS Fowey, in what is now Biscayne National Park in 1748. Currently, management of this wreck is shared between the U.S. and the British Royal Navy.

The history surrounding the HMS Tyger and Dry Tortugas National Park is captivating. About 300 crew members were stranded on Garden Key for 66 days after the shipwreck, ultimately building the first fortifications on the island. They battled severe conditions, constructing vessels from the wreckage of HMS Tyger and embarking on multiple attempts to seek help. In the end, the surviving crew burned the remaining parts of the warship to prevent enemy capture and used their makeshift vessels to journey 700 miles to Port Royal, Jamaica.

Dry Tortugas National Park was established to preserve the islands and Fort Jefferson by President Franklin D. Roosevelt under the Antiquities Act in 1935. The monument was later expanded and re-designated as Dry Tortugas National Park in 1992, with the aim of protecting significant natural, historic, scenic, marine, and scientific values in South Florida for present and future generations.