Cannon, weapons among shipwrecks treasure...

jeff k

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Mar 4, 2006
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Cannon, weapons among shipwreck's treasure...

HOUSTON — A Texas A&M University-led team of archaeologists and oceanographers found a cannon, cannon shot and a chest of weapons in the recovery of a two-century old shipwreck 4,000 feet deep in the Gulf of Mexico.

"It's a fairly large arsenal," said Ben Ford, a nautical archaeologist at Texas A&M. "They were either out for mischief, or they were concerned about coming to some harm."

The 50-foot "Mardi Gras Wreck" was discovered in 2002 by employees of Okeanos Gas Gathering Co. as they surveyed the sea floor 35 miles off the Louisiana coast. The unidentified ship was named "Mardi Gras Wreck" after a nearby pipeline.

A full report of the investigation was published Wednesday by the U.S. Minerals Management Service. The minerals service and exploratory energy companies supported the excavation.

"We believe this shipwreck tells an important story about the role of the Gulf of Mexico during this period," said Jack Irion, an archaeologist with the minerals service.

Ford said in a story for Wednesday's online edition of the Houston Chronicle that the ship was probably either a schooner or sloop. Scientists could not determine its origin but say it probably sank between 1808 and 1820. Foul weather or a structural failure may have caused it to sink.

The ship carried British ceramics, a French spoon, Spanish coins, a gun cast in Scotland and other items that appear to have come from America.

The chest of weapons included carbines, rifles and swords. The searchers also found the remains of two compasses, an hourglass, two octants and a coffee maker.

Ford, the lead author of the report, was most impressed by the preservation of the artifacts such as the hourglass and glass bottles. He believes the fact that the ship was found in such deep waters accounted for the preservation since the fragile items were protected from waves.

The team last summer used two remotely operated vehicles to take video of the shipwreck and bring the artifacts to the surface.
 

Re: Cannon, weapons among shipwreck's treasure...

Excellent reference! Thanks for the tip! 75 megabytes and a great bibliography. Easy to read.
 

Re: Cannon, weapons among shipwreck's treasure...

Talk about spinnning a story! The entire project was a clusterf*ck.

Our wonderful Texas A&M academic/ivory tower archaeologists (allegedly) under investigation for what was basically looting: destroying rare and valuable historical artifacts with the ROV manipulator arm, using a clamshell bucket to retrieve artifacts, using a chainsaw to cut into the arms locker!!!!!!

Even the discoverer of the wreck failed to notify the MMS within the required 48 hours (it took them 2 years!)

In fact, that project was so completely messed up that there is a continuing criminal investigation and the judge in the case has issued a gag order.

Can you say "hypocrites?"
 

Re: Cannon, weapons among shipwreck's treasure...

:o I'm shocked -- ( TEXAS the state that allows NO FOR PROFIET SALVAGE AT ALL) AND WE GOT TEXAS STATE ARCHIES (TEXAS A & M) LOOTING?--say it ain't so joe :o sheez
 

Re: Cannon, weapons among shipwreck's treasure...

Just gotta throw this in cause it really got me to laugh for a second. . .

Posted above:
The chest of weapons included carbines, rifles and swords. The searchers also found the remains of two compasses, an hourglass, two octants and a coffee maker.

Wonder if it was 8 cup or 12 cup? ;D
 

Re: Cannon, weapons among shipwreck's treasure...

Um....I heard it was a latte expresso machine....
 

Re: Cannon, weapons among shipwreck's treasure...

Well its about time someone spilled the beans (errr... coffee beans that is) on those arrogant, holier than thou, two-faced, lyin', finger pointin', grave robbin', shipwreck lootin', government lackying (is that a word? lackying?), treasure hoggin', greedy buggars!! Did I miss anything? :coffee2: :D Phips
 

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