The First Rate ship, sunk in 1744, was found by the American salvage company Odyssey Marine Exploration in 2008 and confirmed as the Victory last year.
The wreck lies outside British waters but rights to it nevertheless rest with the British Government, due to its status as a sovereign-immune military vessel.
The wreck is of archaeological, cultural and commercial value, having sunk with a substantial amount of gold and silver aboard.
Wessex Archaeology, the Government’s contracted sites investigator, has listed threats to the site as including “reduced sand levels that may be the result of short- or long-term natural changes, or trawling; physical damage to the site from trawling; and unregulated diver intrusion and salvage”.
Interested parties have until 30 June to respond. Any comments or queries about the consultation should be directed by email to Annabel Houghton of the DCMS Architecture & Historic Environment Division, at annabel.houghton@culture.gsi.gov.uk
The DCMS consultation document can be accessed at www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/consultations/6773.aspx
Those wishing to read Wessex Archaeology’s reports on the wreck site should go to www.wessexarch.co.uk/reports/71070/hms-victory-1744
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