Marine archaeologists have discovered the wreck of the Danish warship Dannebroge, which was destroyed by Admiral Horatio Nelson's fleet during the Battle of Copenhagen 225 years ago. The discovery was announced on the anniversary of the April 2, 1801 battle by Denmark's Viking Ship Museum, which is leading underwater excavations in Copenhagen Harbour.
The 48-meter flagship, commanded by Commodore Olfert Fischer, was Nelson's primary target during the brutal naval clash that left thousands dead or wounded. According to historical records, the Dannebroge caught fire during the battle, drifted northward, and exploded with a deafening roar heard across Copenhagen.
It's a big part of the Danish national feeling
"It's a big part of the Danish national feeling," said Morten Johansen, head of maritime archaeology at the Viking Ship Museum. The discovery comes as divers race against time to excavate the wreck before the site becomes part of the Lynetteholm housing development project.
Archaeologists working in near-zero visibility at 15 meters depth have recovered cannons, uniforms, shoes, bottles, and even part of a sailor's jawbone, possibly belonging to one of 19 crew members never accounted for after the battle. David Høyer, head of Denmark's War Museum, noted the battle's significance for Danish national identity, describing it as "a few glorious moments in Danish history where we on one hand suffer defeat, but on the other hand can be proud of the resistance we made against superior forces."
a few glorious moments in Danish history where we on one hand suffer defeat, but on the other hand can be proud of the resistance we made against superior forces
The Battle of Copenhagen, one of Nelson's most famous victories, aimed to break Denmark's alliance with northern European powers including Russia, Prussia, and Sweden. The six-hour clash ended with a truce and Denmark's withdrawal from the alliance.