The Island Wreck Site Underwater And Associated Photographs
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During this survey we noted that some sea urchins were apparently destroying some of the artefacts. We identified the critters as the red rock boring sea urchins called Echinometre Lucunter. These were found eating the granite blocks in the shallows and to our amazement the iron cannons. Tunnels had been bored into the iron by these critters who were found resting at the bottom of the hollows. The Team is conducting further research on this issue and is in contact with NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program and other leading scientists to find out more about these natural destroyers of underwater cultural heritage.
Anchor No: 1 which was found close to the first jettisoned cannons and blocks, is the largest of the three anchors found
The coral rock strata which forms the base of the island and the reefs, visible on the shore line to the north of the shipscape
The casquetball up to the first reinforcement of an iron cannon with a series of holes in it. At the bottom of these holes was a Red Rock Boring sea urchin
Local research conducted by our staff Rami found this photo of the same iron cannon. Note that the iron cannon resting on it was apparently stolen many years ago and moved to another site, so we are told
Another iron cannon part of a collection which were thrown over the side in a desperate attempt to lighten the ship during the initial throws of the wrecking process
ADMAT's maritime archaeological work on this wreck site was assisted by ADMAT-FRANCE a non profit organisation based in the Institut de Paléontologie Humaine, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris.
ADMAT-FRANCE is a sub division of the Anglo ~ Danish Maritime Archaeological Team
ADMAT is delighted to have an association with Muséum Nationald’Histoire Naturelle at Paris, départememt Préhistoire, UMR-CNRS 7194.
