A team of archaeologists discovered four new shipwrecks on the east coast of the United States, including the possible remains of the Spanish ship Fortune, a corsair ship from the island of Cuba destroyed during the war between France and Great Britain for the control of North America in 1748.
Researchers from the University of Carolina del Este (ECU) recently confirmed the findingsmade during summer expeditions in the historical area Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson, located on the North Carolina coast.
“We are extremely excited about these important sites, since each one It will help us better understand the role of this town as one of the first colonial port cities of the State “said Jason Raupp, an attached professor of the Department of History and Maritime Studies of the University and team leader.
Possible remains of the Spanish ship La Fortuna, which was shipwrecked on the east coast of the United States
Las “Incredibly well preserved” original tree wood samples From the Spanish colonies Archaeologists gave the track about the origin of the wreck.
“Being The only shipwreck of Spanish origin historically reported in the area, The remains could be those of fortune, “said the university in a statement, which also mentions A close finding in 1985 of a 18th -century cannon, allegedly belonging to the ship.
However, archaeologists claim that other investigations are necessary Before confirming the identity of the remains.
One of the divers of the scientific expedition realized the discovery, almost by chance, of a wooden structure.
“While I was lost, looking for the northern end of the dock, I I found several wooden frames that barely stood out from clay claywith barely visible signs of surface interlide, “says Cory van Hees, of the archaeologists team.
Image of a shipwreck
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Van Hees said that “I didn't understand what I saw at that time, but I knew I should inform teachers about the wood structure”which was then confirmed as a wreck that could correspond to fortune.
More than 40 pieces of wood They were recovered from the wreck and taken to the University's facilities for analysis.
In the case of the other three shipwrecks discovered, scientists believe that it can be a colonial barge for the transfer of people And a ship used for landfill work on a dock in the area, while the third is “still barely exposed”, which makes identification difficult.
Other findings include Two wooden docks, a road on the historical marsh and numerous artifacts That they shed light on colonial life, trade, maritime activity and military conflict in the historical site, the university announced.
