The British warship HMS Victory sank in 1744, killing at least 900 sailors. In February 2009, a Florida salvage team claimed it had discovered the wreckage of the ship under the English Channel. According to officials with the Florida-based Odyssey Marine Exploration, two cannons have been recovered from the shipwreck site. Reports quoted an anonymous British Ministry of Defense spokesman as saying if the company's claims are true, the ship and its remains would be the property of the United Kingdom.Bradenton.com: Florida explorers claim British warship find HMS Victory... Times Online: ...Salvage team says it has found 1744 wreck
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Fast Facts
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HMS Victory sank on October 4, 1744
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Historical records show the Victory went down off the Channel Island of Alderney near Cherbourg, FranceTimes Online: ...Salvage team says it has found 1744 wreck
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HMS Victory was reportedly carrying four tons of gold coins when it sankTimes Online: ...Salvage team says it has found 1744 wreck
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Estimated value of the gold coins
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Ship was "the largest and most heavily armed vessel of its day," with more than 100 brass cannons on boardBradenton.com: Florida explorers claim British warship find HMS Victory...
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February 2009
Odyssey Marine Exploration of Florida claims it found the wreckage of the shipBBC News: Legendary British warship 'found' (February 1, 2009)
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Two brass cannons had been recovered from the wreckage as of February 2, 2009Times Online: ...Salvage team says it has found 1744 wreck
