A 19th-century shipwreck lost for nearly 140 years has been discovered off Britain&rsquos coast. The SS Nantes sank off Cornwall in November 1888 after a collision with the German vessel Theodor Ruger, resulting in 23 deaths. The wreck's location remained unknown until diver Dom Robinson found a broken plate stamped &ldquoCunard Steamship Company.&rdquo This crucial clue, combined with the ship&rsquos structure and dimensions, confirmed the identity of the vessel.

Robinson discovered the wreck 246 feet deep in the English Channel, about 30 miles southeast of Plymouth. History professor Harry Bennett explained that the Nantes, a cargo ship, sank quickly after the collision breached its side. Despite desperate efforts by the crew to plug the hole, only three out of 26 onboard survived. The Theodor Ruger also sank, but most of its crew escaped via intact lifeboats.The wreck was found at a depth of 246ft in the English Channel, around 30 miles south-east of Plymouth. Rick Ayrton

Robinson shared that deep-sea wreck diving feels like uncovering a frozen moment in history. &ldquoEvery wreck is a time capsule,&rdquo Bennett said. The plate may have been part of the crew's final meal, offering a poignant glimpse into life at sea in the late 19th century.

For Robinson, the thrill of discovery lies in exploring unexplored frontiers. &ldquoThe sea is the last place where ordinary people can explore the unknown,&rdquo he said, noting the abundance of shipwrecks around the UK. He hopes to continue uncovering these underwater stories for years to come.