Identification of the 1633 Dutch Shipwreck Dom van Keulen

Researchers have officially identified the Dom van Keulen, a Dutch merchant ship that sank off the coast of Devon, England, in 1633. The identification concludes nearly 30 years of collaborative research by the British Museum, Bournemouth University, and the South West Maritime Archaeology Group, utilizing historical records and physical artifacts recovered from the seabed. The vessel was part of a vital 17th-century trade network connecting Morocco, West Africa, and the Dutch commercial empire. While the ship was lost during a storm, the discovery of over 400 gold Moroccan coins and other personal items provides significant insight into the economic history and maritime trade practices of the Dutch Golden Age. The wreck site, measuring approximately 30 meters in length and located 18 meters underwater, contains cannons, anchors, and various cargo remnants. This discovery serves as a crucial piece of evidence for understanding the flow of African gold into European markets and the subsequent minting of international trade currencies. The site is currently protected under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 to prevent illegal interference. The findings are documented in the book 'From Morocco to the Coast of England: The Story of the Dom van Keulen and its Remarkable Cargo', published in 2026, which details the ship's final voyage and its broader historical significance.