MARINE archaeologists from Bournemouth University are set to begin excavating the historic warship Invincible.

The 74-gun ship, built by the French in 1744 before being captured by the British five years later, was used by the Royal Navy until it hit a sandbank in the Solent, in 1758, and sank.

Due, in part, to the fact the vessel remained upright for three days following the accident, all crew members escaped unharmed.

Bournemouth University is now working with the National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) and the Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust (MAST) on the project - which includes the excavation, conservation and eventual exhibition of artefacts from the shipwreck.

Dave Parnham, associate professor in maritime archaeology at Bournemouth University, explained: "What Invincible has is a revolutionary hull and significant contents of an 18th century warship from armaments to personal possessions.

"We are excited to start excavating and studying these rare artefacts and putting them on display for the public to engage in a period of maritime history that we currently don't know too much about."

The wreck was rediscovered in 1979 by local fisherman Arthur Mack, and a small-scale excavation followed, led by Commander John Bingemen during the 1980s. Since then, due to shifting sands in the Solent, the site has become increasingly exposed.

This latest project is being carried out before all records of the ship are lost.

MAST chief executive officer Jessica Berry said: "Currently there is a prominent gap in our knowledge between the Mary Rose, built in 1511, and HMS Victory, built in 1765. In between, there is a missing link and Invincible will fill that.

"We are looking at raising a set of articulated timbers to look at how unique she was, along with some significant artefacts that will illuminate this part of maritime history and preserve it for generations to come."

Once conserved the artefacts will go on display at the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth, alongside other important maritime displays and the Mary Rose and HMS Victory.