New Shipwreck found belonging to Captain Kidd

[adrisen]

Captain Kidd Ship Found, Scientists Say - AOL News

I hope the link works

 

[fisheyeview]

Very cool.

 

[RikRaeder]

In 10 feet of water 70 feet offshore. Who'd of thunk it!

 

[CLEAR BLUE]

Wow!!!

 

[Mr.X]

Very cool. It was probably found a while ago? They probably timed their announcement of the discovery once they had a solid commitment from the Dominican government regarding protection. Being in ten foot of water makes researching this thing far more easier, not to mention the allure of pirates and Captain Kidd. Very cool, especially if they bring up some booty.

X

 

[Zinc]

Captain Kidd Ship Found, Scientists Say - AOL News

I hope the link works

The link may eventually go bad, so for future, here is the text:

Captain Kidd Ship Found, Scientists Say
By LIVESCIENCE STAFF
Posted: 2007-12-13 19:12:15
Filed Under: Science News



(Dec. 13) - The wreckage of a pirate ship abandoned by Captain Kidd in the 17th century has been found by divers in shallow waters off the Dominican Republic, a research team claims.

The underwater archaeology team, from Indiana University, says they have found the remains of Quedagh Merchant, actively sought by treasure hunters for years.

Indiana University / LiveScience.com Archaeologists from Indiana University said they have found the 17th century remains of Captain William Kidd's ship in the waters off the Dominican Republic. Here, scientist Charles Beeker examines the wreckage.

Charles Beeker of IU said his team has been licensed to study the wreckage and convert the site into an underwater preserve for the public.

It is remarkable that the wreck has remained undiscovered all these years given its location, just 70 feet off the coast of Catalina Island in the Dominican Republic in less than 10 feet of seawater.

"I've been on literally thousands of shipwrecks in my career," Beeker said. "This is one of the first sites I've been on where I haven't seen any looting. We've got a shipwreck in crystal clear, pristine water that's amazingly untouched. We want to keep it that way, so we made the announcement now to ensure the site's protection from looters."

The find is valuable because of what it could reveal about William Kidd and piracy in the Caribbean, said John Foster, California's state underwater archaeologist, who is participating in the research.

Historians differ on whether Kidd was actually a pirate or a privateer — someone who captured pirates. After his conviction of piracy and murder charges in a sensational London trial, he was left to hang over the River Thames for two years.

Historians write that Kidd captured the Quedagh Merchant, loaded with valuable satins and silks, gold, silver and other East Indian merchandise, but left the ship in the Caribbean as he sailed to New York on a less conspicuous sloop to clear his name of the criminal charges.

"All the evidence that we find underwater is consistent with what we know from historical documentation, which is extensive," Conrad said. "Through rigorous archeological investigations, we will conclusively prove that this is the Capt. Kidd shipwreck."

The IU team examined the shipwreck at the request of the Dominican Republic's Oficina Nacional De Patrimonio Cultural Subacuático.

"The site was initially discovered by a local prominent resident of Casa De Campo, who recognized the significance of the numerous cannons and requested the site be properly investigated," said ONPCS Technical Director Francis Soto. "So, I contacted IU."

 

[Mark GH2O]

Pretty neat!

Especially since Charlie Beeker lives in Bloomington and certified me in 1980!!

 

[naga]

Any more news on whether rec divers are allowed to dive the site?