Shell Discovers 200 Year Old Shipwreck off Gulf of Mexico

A shipwreck believed to be around 200 years old has been discovered in a relatively uncharted stretch of water in the Gulf of Mexico. The oil company Shell Oil Co., stumbled upon the shipwreck during a routine oil and gas survey. Scientists believe that this underwater shipwreck could provide a trove of new information about maritime history in the region as it is one of the most well-preserved old shipwrecks ever found in the Gulf, making it quite a famous shipwreck discovery.

When the first shipwreck pictures and videos were released, experts to narrow boat builders were completely amazed by the excellent preservation of the shipwreck, considering its estimated time period submerged in the Gulf. It’s believed that its remote location and depth, roughly 200 miles off the northern Gulf coast and 4,000 feet deep, contributed to its preservation as it was left largely undisturbed for all these years and escaped the onslaught of storms and hurricanes. The wood of the shipwreck has deteriorated, mostly consumed by marine organisms, but the copper hull and its contents remain largely intact.

Videos of the shipwreck show muskets, a large collection of square gin bottles and wine bottles resting on the sea bed. A variety of ceramic cups, plates and bowls were also found, believed to have been used by the crew of the ship. Anchors, cannons and a fully intact stove were also found, although it has not yet been determined whether the ship was a military, cargo or pirate ship. However, scientists strongly believe that the ship sank in a strong storm, as there is no trace of a fire, explosion or boat repairs. Archaeologists and scientists will make use of the video footage and shipwreck photos shot by robots and high-definition cameras during a 56 day expedition. The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will protect the shipwreck’s location until the nationality of the vessel is determined.