Search for the Lost French Fleet
July 9, 2014
The NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research is funding an upcoming expedition to look for the “Lost French Fleet,” four French Hugenot ships that sank in 1562, off the coast of Florida, after a sudden storm. The expedition will take place between July 14 and August 18, 2014.
The shipwreck survivors were massacred by the Spanish, who were competing with France to settle Florida, and who, that same year, established St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied city in the U.S.
2015 is the 450th anniversary of the these events, and a fitting time to locate the four French shipwrecks, which were part of a seven-ship fleet that had been sent to provide supplies for the new French colony at Fort Caroline, in what is now Jacksonville, Florida.
Why were the French in Florida?
Like other New World colonizers, the French had arrived in La Floride in 1562 to seize the opportunity for material wealth and increased commerce. The new colony was also meant to provide a refuge for Protestant Hugenots who faced religious persecution in France.
But with the sinking of their resupply fleet, the French gave up on their ambitions to colonize Florida, forever changing the face of Florida—and America.
Who is conducting the search for the shipwrecks, and how?
The search is being spearheaded by the Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program, in partnership with the Center for Historical Archaeology and Institute of Maritime History. The Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program is the research arm of the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum.
Over seven days, scientists will survey the area most likely to be the final resting place of the French ships with sonar and other equipment. After that, the best candidate targets will be investigated by divers.
What’s next?
Any ship remains and artifacts found during the survey will be recorded and left on site for a future in-depth research investigation.