HMS Sussex Sinks Killing 498 People

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HMS Sussex

Accident type: Wrecked
Vessel involved: HMS Sussex
Location: Strait of Gibraltar
Date: 1st March 1694
Casualties: 498 people died

VESSEL INFO:

Name: HMS Sussex
Built: 1693
Class & type: 80-gun 3rd-rate ship of the line
Tons burthen: 1263 bm
Length: 157 ft 2 in (47.9 m)
Beam: 41 ft 4 in (12.6 m)

HMS Sussex was an 80-gun third-rate ship of the line of the English Royal Navy launched at Chatham Dockyard on 11th April 1693 and was the pride of the Royal Navy.

On 27th February, a violent storm hit the flotilla near the Strait of Gibraltar and in the early morning of 1st March 1694, HMS Sussex sank.  There were only two survivors out of a crew of 500.

On board were possibly 10 tons of gold coins.  This could now be worth more than $500 million, including the bullion and antiquity values, making it one of the most valuable wrecks ever.

Source: Wikipedia