One of the "most significant" maritime archaeological discoveries since the Mary Rose has been hauled from the Thames estuary.

The Elizabethan wreck, which contained one of the country's earliest examples of cast iron cannons, was unveiled to the public yesterday following months of research by archaeologists.

The raising of the bow and part of a side pannel of the ship, which is yet to be identified, has been described as "unique" in the UK.

The remains of the boat have been submerged in a sandbank in the Princes Channel area of the estuary, 15 miles from Shoebury, since the 1570s.

Experts believe the 35-foot vessel was constructed from Essex timber and would have sailed along the south Essex coastline sinking to the sea bed enroute to trade its cargo on the continent.

Around 50 to 60 crew members are thought to have perished in the accident, but no human remains were found on board.

The discovery has been kept under wraps since it was made in July 2003 while the Port of London Authority (PLA) was carrying out work to deepen a shipping channel.

It was initially thought to be just an obstruction, but further tests revealed what lay beneath.