Photo: what iceberg? underwater archaeologists dig up the wreck of the Teasel off Manx capital Douglas. © Manx National Heritage.

Dive In! The Underwater Archaeology of the Isle of Man is on at the House of Manannan in Peel from Saturday November 29 until April 2004.

This unique exhibition aims to recapture history swallowed by the sea, displaying artefacts from the 1000 wreck sites around the Isle of Man.

"The Isle of Man has a wealth of important archaeological sites and monuments on land," said Allison Fox, Curator of Archaeology for Manx National Heritage.

"What isn’t as well known is that we also have an incredibly rich and important resource of maritime heritage. To most people the underwater heritage is not as readily accessible as land based archaeology."

Photo: artefacts from HMS Racehorse, which sank off Castletown in 1822. © Manx National Heritage.

It is surprising what can survive at the bottom of the seabed. Among the highlights of the exhibition are artefacts salvaged from HMS Racehorse, which sank in 1822.

The history of the ship is quite poignant. On the day she sank everything seemed to be going well, it appeared to be a routine mission that would get the crew back in port in time for Christmas. The weather was good, the sky clear and a fair breeze promised a speedy passage.

Trouble struck when the boat hit some rocks. Despite rescue efforts, six members of the 'Racehorse' died as well as three men from nearby Castletown who had tried to help. Their sacrifice meant, however, that hundreds of lives were saved.

Photo: former Steam Packet vessel the King Orry was put to work during the Second World War. © Manx National Heritage.

Salvaged from the wreck and on display is a rare brass Royal Marine Badge that would have been originally worn on a shoulder belt.

There are also cannon balls that would have been fired as the crew struggled for help. Proving the unexpected, there are also the remains of a shoe and tunic buttons.

Visitors are treated to items found by private divers, which have never been on public display before. An engraved glass decanter, found on the wreck of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company ship Peveril, is also on show.

Marine heritage is often forgotten, which is why Manx National Heritage has staged the exhibition. Enticingly admission is free, so why not see what has been lurking beneath the sea?