#shipwreck

#shipwreck

The "unidentified object" first seen as a large anomaly in 2017 during a fibre-optic cable survey on the bottom of Lake Ontario from Buffalo to Toronto caught the attention of Trent University archeologist James Conolly, who was hoping to study an undisturbed wreck. Based on archival records, the vessel was initially thought to be the Rapid City, a two-masted schooner built in 1884 and used as a stonehooker, until it was lost in 1917.

The ship's purpose was confirmed by the discovery of 152 pieces of light blue-green Buncheong stoneware, bearing the characters Naeseom, referring to the Naeseomsi, the state official responsible for managing tribute food and drink for the royal court and high-ranking officials. Grain transport ships were part of the state-run joun transport system. The cargo ships carried grain and other goods from provincial warehouses to the royal capital of Hanyang.

A French frigate sank in protected waters off the coast of Panama in 1699, carrying a royal treasure thought to be valued at $24m. The ship, Maureas, and her lost treasure, went down near the remote San Blas archipelago and the search team, led by Deep Blue Explorers (DBE) and Pelorus X, has worked with the indigenous Guna Yala tribe who live on the islands and have held onto the secret of the wreck's location until now.

The vessel, with 154 Ethiopian migrants onboard, sank in the Gulf of Aden off the southern Yemeni province of Abyan early on Sunday, resulting in a tragic loss.

These kinds of discoveries are always so exciting because it allows a piece of lost history to resurface. It provides insights into our maritime past and cultural heritage.