Searching for Shipwrecks

By Rod Mather

Today, we arrived at the first of our survey areas – Baltimore Canyon.  During our transit we collected high-resolution multibeam data and arranged our track so as to pass by some possible shipwrecks.  All of these locations were within the broader boundaries of our project.  At one of them, we discovered a shipwreck.  The size and shape of the wreck, however, was different from that which I had expected.   Now the work begins trying to identify it.

Finding and identifying shipwrecks is a difficult process.  It involves historical research, survey work and investigating possible sites using either SCUBA equipment or ROVs, depending on water depth.  Diving and ROV operations will take place next year and the year after.  So for now, we continue mulitbeam mapping on the edge of the Continental Shelf.  One result will likely be the discovery of more shipwrecks.