Oldest wreck discovered may get lost
Corolla (Global Adventures): The remains of a shipwreck, possibly dating back to the 16th or 17th century, were uncovered by winter storms on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Researchers from the North Carolina Underwater Archaeology Branch try to map and document the 70 foot wreck.
As common on English ships from the period, wooden pegs rather than iron spikes were used in the construction. The wood appears to be live oak, indicating that the ship was built by settlers from an early Virginia colony, according to the agency.
Ray Midgett and Roger Harris, avid beachcombers from Dare County, did discover the vessel years ago nearly buried in the sand across from the Corolla lighthouse. Harris says that he noticed musket balls and coins, some embossed with a likeness of King Louis XIII, and dated 1601.
Despite its age and significance, the wreckage may get lost forever. "We've been doing this since 1978," said Richard Lawrence, head of the Underwater Archaeology Branch in the Division of Archives and History, N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. "The best we can do is document what's there and let nature take its course."
The shipwreck is moving south, The (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot reported. Since its discovery, the remains have already drifted two miles and the boat is falling apart, news reports say. Floor boards and the keel have already come off and disappeared.
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