Discovery Channel

Maritime Archaeology

Maritime Archaeology is the study of vessels, cargoes and human remains that lie hidden beneath the waters of our oceans, lakes and rivers. These sites are like time capsules that have lain undisturbed by vandals or scavengers for hundreds of years. Water and bottom sediments protect ships and their cargoes from erosion and they are often found in an incredible state of preservation.

Wreck diving has been going on for thousands of years; Roman freedivers were reported to have dived down 20 metres to recover cargo from sunken ships. Diving bells were used for the salvage of sunken artefacts as far back as the 16th century. But it was the introduction of the aqua-lung in the 1960s that gave underwater archaeologists the freedom to really explore and understand the significance of wrecks.

Graves on land usually contain the remains of the old and diseased, but men who died at sea were generally young and relatively fit. The examination of their remains gives archaeologists a unique insight into the life and health of previous generations. One example is the remains recovered of young seamen from the 17th century; their legs were deformed by rickets, but their arms and backs were highly muscled because of the heavy work and climbing they did onboard ship.

Today divers use an ‘airlift’ to suck away silt from submerged wrecks and artefacts. It is vital that artefacts are taken to the surface as soon as possible for conservation, because once exposed they are vulnerable to attack from the sea’s currents and micro-organisms, they quickly deteriorate. Conserving objects recovered from the sea is a tricky and time-consuming business; once exposed to the air, chemical reactions begin which rapidly degrade metal and, if wood is allowed to dry out too quickly, it will simply crumble.

The recovery and conservation of the Mary Rose is a prime example of how this work can be carried out successfully. Henry VIII’s warship sank in 1545, in the Solent off the coast of southern England. Excavation on the wreck began in 1979, when she was lifted onto a giant, underwater cradle while her artefacts were recovered. These included human remains and weapons, cooking utensils and personal belongings that were carefully preserved. The Mary Rose was gently lifted from the water in 1982 and held in dry dock, where she was sprayed continuously with cold water for the next twelve years. In 1994, work began to permanently conserve the ship by spraying her with special plastics. This work is still ongoing.

Undoubtedly the world’s most famous wreck is the HMS Titanic, which sank on her maiden voyage in 1912. The wreck was located in 1985, 3,800 metres down on the ocean floor, off the coast of Newfoundland. At this depth it is not possible for divers to use aqua-lungs because of the immense underwater pressure, so archaeologists explored the wreck in submersibles, both manned and remote controlled. Many artefacts have been salvaged and conserved and are now on display in museums. Tourists regularly visit the wreck on organised underwater tours.