Danish slave ships found off Costa Rica 300 years later

In 1710, two Danish slave ships, Fridericus Quartus and Christianus Quintus, sank off the coast of Costa Rica after being engaged in a dramatic journey from Copenhagen to West Africa. For centuries, these shipwrecks were misidentified as pirate ships until marine archaeologists from the National Museum of Denmark and Denmark's Viking Ship Museum conducted underwater excavations in 2023. They took samples of wood, yellow bricks, and clay pipes from the wrecks to confirm their identity. The artifacts were traced back to Northern Europe, corroborating historical accounts of the ships’ fates as they sought to navigate the local waters. As the researchers analyzed the samples, they found that the bricks originated from the German town of Flensburg, known for its production for Danish colonies in the 18th and 19th centuries. The ship Fridericus Quartus was set ablaze, while the Christianus Quintus sank after its anchor rope was cut. These discoveries not only confirmed the historical record but also restored significant ancestral lineage for the local Afro-Costa Rican community. The excavation and identification efforts had been driven by a coalition of local youth scuba divers, fostering pride in their heritage, which had remained unrecognized for over three centuries. Significantly, this finding ties Danish history to the local communities in Costa Rica, where the story of the enslaved individuals can now be woven into the broader narrative of the nation. The events preceding the shipwrecks, including rebellions among the enslaved crews and navigational mistakes compounded by fear of pirates, highlight the grim circumstances surrounding the vessels. Marine archaeologist David Gregory described the results as game-changing, and the collaborative efforts underscore the importance of recognizing this lost history. The discovery reconnects local descendants with their roots and enhances the understanding of the diverse cultural foundations of Costa Rica. The community’s initiative, known as Ambassadors of the Sea, reflects a decade-long commitment to uncover the identity of the shipwrecks, profoundly impacting local identity in Limon Province. By tying historical events, such as the journey and plight of the enslaved people, to the present community, the undertaking aims to reshape the historical narrative of the region, proving that Afro-Costa Ricans were present long before their records were formally documented.