Divers examine ship that sank with mutineers

Press, 22 October 1986, Page 14

Divers examine ship that sank with mutineers

A British ship has moved into position over the remains of one of the vessels connected with the mutiny on the Bounty ready for an underwater project. Divers are now examining the remains of H.M.S. Pandora, which was carrying 14 Bounty mutineers home for trial in England when she struck a reef off the coast of Queensland in 1791. They hope to bring up cannon and other heavy equipment before the weather deteriorates towards the end of the year. When the Pandora went down in 34 metres of water, four mutineers were drowned but the rest and most of the crew reached safety after a 1770 km journey in open boats. Three mutineers were later hanged.

The isolated site of the wreck on the Great Barrier Reef was discovered in 1977. Divers have already recovered some artefacts but it is hoped that the scientific exploration ship Sir Walter Raleigh

will make a dramatic impact on . the exercise. The ship, which is in the region as part of the Operation Raleigh round-the-world expedition, is fitted out. for complex dives and will work in cooperation with Queensland Museum staff.

“It is one of‘the most important marine archaeological sites in the southern hemisphere and I think it is particularly fitting that a British ship should be involved in the examination of such an historic British wreck,” said Colonel John Blash-ford-Snell, who is co-ordi-nating international assistance on the scheme.

“Our ship is one of the finest in the world for this sort of project and we hope will be instrumental in bringing up a lot more material,” he said.

Operation Raleigh is a four-year international youth leadership programme begun in 1984 at the suggestion of Prince Charles. It is led by Colonel Blashford-Snell.