Rare chances to view historic Sussex shipwreck this weekend

The wreck is only visible a few times a year when there are exceptionally low tides.

Time Mcdonald, from Hastings Shipwreck Museum, who organises guided tours of the Amsterdam, said: “For the last two years, she has remained hidden from sight under a blanket of sand and shingle as a result of natural foreshore movements. However, probably as a result of the recent storms, the two-and-three-quarter centuries old remains of the mighty vessel have finally emerged from hibernation and are once again visible.

“As a result, the Shipwreck Museum is now able to resume its hugely popular guided walks to the wreck. These not only reveal the remarkable story of the vessel itself, but also explore the extraordinary geology of the surrounding area, including direct contact with 140 million year old rocks from the early Cretaceous period and examining perfectly preserved (not fossilised/petrified) trees from a 4000 year old Bronze Age forest. And who knows what fossils are waiting to be discovered?

“There is a walk planned on Sunday March 22 at 7:10 in the morning.

“It is strongly recommended that visitors don appropriate footwear, bearing in mind that it can be wet, slippery – and muddy. It is also suggested that provision be made for the fact that early mornings on Bulverhythe beach, whilst very pleasant, can also be a little on the chilly side.”

Tickets are available for purchase in the Shipwreck Museum, either in person (open 10:30am – 4pm, but not Mondays and Thursdays) or by telephone on 01424 437452.

You can also order them by e-mail [email protected]. It is also possible to pay the walk leaders on the day itself, but this has to be by cash only. The cost of £6 for adults and £2 for children includes a copy of the fully-illustrated Amsterdam guidebook by Dr Peter Marsden, founder of the Museum and renowned expert on the wreck.

Speaking about the the ship, Tim said: “For well over two hundred years, during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, much of the world’s international trade was carried out by great sailing vessels, known as East Indiamen. These majestic ships, operated by huge companies, based not only in this country, but also in the Netherlands, Spain, France and Portugal amongst other places, opened up major trading routes across the world, not to mention helping to extend their nations’ influence in far-flung territories.

“In time, new technologies, different requirements, trading conditions and so on brought about the end of the East Indiamen and they disappeared, leaving behind little more than romantic memories of that great age of sailing. However, more than memories survive along our local stretch of coast because, near Bulverhythe in St Leonards, there rests the most complete wreck anywhere in the world of one of these magnificent vessels – the Dutch East Indiaman, the Amsterdam.

“Between two thirds and three-quarters of the ship remains, making her more complete than the Mary Rose. She is, in every respect, an international nautical treasure and should rank far higher in the imposing list of Hastings and St Leonards superb heritage jewels. Yet, for many, she remains a hidden secret.”