Shipwreck surfaces on Redcar beach after Storm

The recent attack of Storm Chandra has not only reshaped the coastline but also revealed a piece of history on Redcar beach.  

A section of a shipwreck, believed to be from the 1800s, was discovered partially buried in the sand after the storm’s high tides and strong winds subsided.  

Image Credit: Melissa Wade

It shows remains of an old wooden shipwreck resting on a tidal flat. 

The structure is heavily decayed, with algae coating the exposed timbers — a sign that it has been sitting in this coastal environment for a very long time.  

At low tide, the wreck becomes visible, surrounded by shallow pools, rocks, and wet sand. 

The shipwreck sits on the petrified forest on the beach, which is an ancient, submerged woodland, approximately 6,000 to 10,000 years old, that is only visible when severe storms wash away massive amounts of sand.  

Image Credit: Melissa Wade

The forest is a remnant of Doggerland, a prehistoric land bridge connecting Britain to Europe, which exposes ancient oak, birch, and hazel stumps, with discoveries first noted in 1871.  

As of February 2026, the forest has been exposed further following Storm Chandra, attracting more and more visitors to the rare sight.  

Not only did the storm reveal this shipwreck, but it also uncovered a tree stump which was once part of the forest and shows a measure of how much sand has been lost.  

Image Credit: Melissa Wade

The site is located near the Regent Cinema, which has the perfect viewing spot for people to appreciate this prehistoric landscape and fossilised remains.