Divers recovered nearly 2,000 artefacts from the HMS Invincible warship that sunk off the British coast 261 years ago and was found three nautical miles from Portsmouth, Hampshire.

The rudder of warship HMS Invincible has been discovered by Bournemouth University archaeologists 200ft away from the main shipwreck, over 40 years after the wreck was first located.

The Invincible became a blueprint for future British ships, and by the time Nelson went to the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, 16 out of 27 ships in his fleet were Invincible’s descendants.

HMS Invincible's class of ships became the "backbone of the Royal Navy", the National Museum of the Royal Navy said. Corked rum among shipwreck artefacts. Shipwreck excavation wins lottery aid.

With HMS Invincible out of service Britain is left with her two sister carriers -- Ark Royal, currently being refitted -- and Illustrious. Categories: Falkland Islands. Top Comments ...