Images have shown the remains of a ship that was previously buried under the sand on a beach.

The Seaton Carew Wreck, a shipwreck located at Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool is a protected wreck site and has been the subject of plenty of archaeological activity in the past.

The Seaton Carew WreckThe Seaton Carew Wreck (Image: ALAN FIRTH)

Before 1996, the wreck had remained hidden beneath the beach's sand but was exposed in 1996 and 2002, and has become consistently visible since 2004.

In images, which have been captured by Northern Echo Camera Club member Alan Firth, the remains of the wreck can be seen. 

Part of the Seaton Carew Wreck is visiblePart of the Seaton Carew Wreck is visible (Image: ALAN FIRTH)

The photos, from Mr Firth, show parts of the wooden struts of the ship it came from that have now turned green with algae, while other parts can be seen still submerged partly in sand. 

What is known about the wreck?

The wreck presents a significant level of preservation uncommon to the North East coast and is the remains of a type of vessel described as a collier brig, which was commonplace during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The wreck is a Protected Wreck overseen by Historic England.

When was the wreck discovered initially? 

On August 4, 1996, locals Derek Hodgson and Joe Howey discovered the wreck on Seaton Carew beach after a storm had revealed it by stripping the beach of a quantity of sand.

The shipwreck was previously buried under sandThe shipwreck was previously buried under sand (Image: ALAN FIRTH)

Having never seen the wreck before, they notified Tees Archaeology.

Volunteers from the Nautical Archaeology Society eagerly joined Tees Archaeology in an assessment of the newfound wreck.

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It became rapidly evident that the revealed wreck was yet again to be hidden as each tide started to progressively replace the sand, preparing to once more engulf it.

Identified as a collier brig, this sturdy variety of vessels was preferred by Captain James Cook for his exploration voyages.

Has the wreck been documented before 1996?

A photograph taken in 1898 by local priest, James Patton, seemingly depicts this same wreck, with the stern post still intact but the hull already salvaged.

The Protection of Wrecks Act of 8th August 1997 recognised the wreck's significance.

Has the wreck been visible for long?

Observations in 2004 and 2005 showed the wreck was partially visible most of the time, but in 2006 and 2007, it was seldom, if ever, visible.

Regular sightings have resumed from 2019 onwards.