Side scan sonar image of the wreck site The wreck was first located in April 2003 by the PLA. During hydrographic survey, the wreck registered as a magnetic anomaly on the seabed. Over the summer months, further investigation and inspection by the PLA’s divers identified a section of wooden ship just visible above the seabed. Various items were recovered including a broken anchor, 2 cannons, and a quantity of ship’s timbers. Wessex Archaeology were asked to record the recovered items and timbers in the autumn of 2003.

Piece 3a breaking the surface during the lifting of the wreck A rolling programme of evaluation was undertaken of the wreck. Sections of hull structure were recovered and recorded in November 2003 and January 2004. Dendrochronological dating and hydrographic survey were undertaken in May 2004. Excavation and recovery of the main wreck was begun in August 2004.