French brig Lutin (1788)

The Lutin was a French brig launched in 1788. The vessel is primarily known for its loss, with a significant amount of treasure reported to be on board.

Service History:

While details of the Lutin's early service in the French Navy are scarce, the brig is remembered mainly for its role during the French Revolutionary Wars. It was under the command of Captain Jean-François Renaudin when it sailed from England for Hamburg in October 1799 carrying a cargo of bullion and coins.

Loss:

On the night of October 9, 1799, Lutin was wrecked in a storm off the coast of Terschelling, a Dutch island in the West Frisian Islands. The vessel went aground on a sandbank known as the Vlie. All but one of the 240 or so people on board perished.

Cargo and Salvage Attempts:

The Lutin was rumored to be carrying a substantial cargo of gold and silver coins, estimated at around £1.2 million at the time. The intended purpose of this shipment was to bolster the finances of French-allied banks in Hamburg, which were facing difficulties.

Numerous attempts were made to salvage the wreck. Initially, Dutch authorities and then private contractors undertook efforts, but these were largely unsuccessful. In 1857, further salvage work was carried out. Some gold was recovered, but a significant portion of the treasure remained unrecovered. To this day, some treasure remains unrecovered.

Legacy:

The wreck of the Lutin has continued to be a point of interest for treasure hunters and maritime historians. Items recovered from the wreck, including the ship's bell, are sometimes displayed in museums. The story of the Lutin serves as a reminder of the risks of maritime travel and the enduring allure of sunken treasure.