Historic Shipwreck Site

Maritime archaeologists made the claim of discovering a ship's cannon embedded in a reef in the Coral Sea off Australia's North Queensland. It is thought to belong to the Cato, which sank in the area after running aground in 1803 en route to India. Kieran Hosty, of the National Maritime Museum, said it was significant to Australia's maritime history. The 450-tonne vessel and HMS Porpoise were both wrecked after hitting an uncharted coral reef 17 August 1803. The two were reported lost by a third ship. Although the discovery of the ship's cannon has been a major find, it is believed that the final proof of identity will be made from the hinge of the ship's rudder which was located nearby.

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