MAST steps in to save museum shipwreck items

The Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust (MAST) has successfully intervened to save half of the shipwreck treasures that were going to be auctioned off in Cornwall. These items, which number 514, are significant artifacts from UK shipwrecks and represent about 50% of the Charlestown Shipwreck Treasure Museum’s collection. This collection includes historical items from Royal Navy ships and famous trading vessels. Many wreck divers were concerned about these artifacts being sold to private collectors, which could mean they would be lost to public view.