🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 152 (from laksa077)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa152.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck","crawl_time":1773194373,"first_indexed_time":1376495978,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,wikipedia!en,\/wiki\/Shipwreck s443","src_root_hash":"17790707453426894952","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Shipwreck - Wikipedia","meta_descriptions":[],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"The shipwreck of\nSS\nAmerican Star\non the shore of\nFuerteventura\nin 2004\nA\nsonar\nimage of the shipwreck of the\nSoviet Navy\nship\nVirsaitis\nin\nEstonian\nwaters\nJohan Christian Dahl\n:\nShipwreck on the Norwegian Coast\n, 1832\nBow\nof\nRMS \nTitanic\n, first\ndiscovered\nin 1985\nWreck of\nCosta Concordia\nA\nshipwreck\nis the wreckage of a\nship\nthat is either beached on land or sunken to the bottom of a body of water. It results from the event of\nshipwrecking\n, which may be intentional or unintentional. There were approximately three million shipwrecks worldwide as of January 1999, according to Angela Croome, a science writer and author who specialized in the history of underwater archaeology\n[\n1\n]\n(an estimate rapidly endorsed by\nUNESCO\n[\n2\n]\n[\n3\n]\nand other organizations\n[\n4\n]\n).\nWhen a ship's crew has died or abandoned the ship, and the ship has remained adrift but unsunk, they are instead referred to as\nghost ships\n.\nThe 1626\nSparrow-Hawk\nwreck is displayed at the\nPilgrim Hall Museum\nin\nPlymouth\n,\nMassachusetts\nHistoric wrecks are attractive to\nmaritime archaeologists\nbecause they preserve historical information: for example, studying the wreck of\nMary Rose\nrevealed information about seafaring, warfare, and life in the 16th century. Military wrecks, caused by a skirmish at sea, are studied to find details about the historic event; they reveal much about the battle that occurred. Discoveries of\ntreasure ships\n, often from the period of European\ncolonisation\n, which sank in remote locations leaving few living witnesses, such as\nBatavia\n, do occur as well.\nEnvironmental hazards\n[\nedit\n]\nSome contemporary wrecks, such as the\noil tanker\nPrestige\nor\nErika\n, are of interest primarily because of their potential harm to the environment.\nHazards to navigation\n[\nedit\n]\nArtificial reefs and dive sites\n[\nedit\n]\nOther contemporary wrecks are scuttled in order to spur reef growth, such as\nAdolphus Busch\nand\nOcean Freeze\n. Many contemporary and historic wrecks, such as\nThistlegorm\n, are of interest to\nrecreational divers\nthat dive to shipwrecks because they are interesting to explore, provide large habitats for many types of marine life, and have an interesting history.\nWell known incidents and disasters\n[\nedit\n]\nWell-known shipwrecks include the catastrophic\nTitanic\n,\nMV Doña Paz\n,\nBritannic\n,\nLusitania\n,\nEstonia\n,\nEmpress of Ireland\n,\nAndrea Doria\n,\nEndurance\n,\nCosta Concordia\n,\nHMS Pandora\nand\nSS Waratah\n.\nAbandoned or scuttled derelicts\n[\nedit\n]\nThere are also thousands of wrecks that were not lost at sea but have been abandoned or sunk. These abandoned, or derelict ships are typically smaller craft, such as fishing vessels. They may pose a hazard to navigation\n[\n5\n]\nand may be removed by\nport authorities\n.\n[\n6\n]\nCounty of Peebles\n, used as breakwater in\nPunta Arenas\nat the\nStrait of Magellan\nPoor design, improperly stowed\ncargo\n, navigation and other human errors leading to collisions (with another ship, the shoreline, an iceberg, etc.), inadequate maintenance, bad weather,\nfire\n, and other causes can lead to accidental sinking. Intentional reasons for sinking a ship include: intending to form an\nartificial reef\n; destruction due to\nwarfare\n,\npiracy\n,\nmutiny\nor\nsabotage\n; using the vessel for\ntarget practice\n; or removing a\nhazard to navigation\n. A scuttled ship can be also used as\nbreakwater structure\nor to deny or restrict access to an area to other shipping.\nShipwrecks are widely distributed, but are concentrated where there is more shipping and more\nnavigational hazards\n.\nSome shipwrecks have been recorded and the circumstances of loss may be known. other ships have\ndisappeared without trace\nand are assumed to have been wrecked.\nState of preservation\n[\nedit\n]\nVasa\nis one of the oldest and best-preserved ships salvaged in the world, owing to the cool temperatures and low salinity of the\nBaltic Sea\nMany factors determine the state of preservation of a wreck:\nthe ship's construction materials\nthe wreck becoming covered in sand or silt\nthe\nsalinity\nof the water the wreck is in\nthe level of destruction involved in the ship's loss\nwhether the components or\ncargo\nof the wreck were\nsalvaged\nwhether the wreck was demolished to clear a navigable channel\nthe depth of water at the wreck site\nthe strength of\ntidal\ncurrents or\nwave action\nat the wreck site\nthe exposure to surface weather conditions at the wreck site\nthe presence of\nmarine life\nthat consume the ship's fabric\ntemperature\nthe acidity (or\npH\n), and other chemical characteristics of the water at the site\nThe above - especially the stratification (silt\/sand sediments piled up on the shipwrecks) and the damages caused by marine creatures - is better described as \"stratification and contamination\" of shipwrecks. The stratification not only creates another challenge for marine archaeology, but also a challenge to determine its primary state, i.e. the state that it was in when it sank.\nStratification includes several different types of sand and silt, as well as tumulus and encrustations. These \"sediments\" are tightly linked to the type of currents, depth, and the type of water (salinity, pH, etc.), which implies any chemical reactions that would affect potential cargo (such as wine, olive oil, spices, etc.).\nBesides this geological phenomenon, wrecks also face the damage of marine creatures that create a home out of them, primarily octopuses and crustaceans. These creatures affect the primary state because they move, or break, any parts of the shipwreck that are in their way, thereby affecting the original condition of\namphorae\n, for example, or any other hollow places. Finally, in addition to the slight or severe destruction marine animals can create, there are also \"external\" contaminants, such as the artifacts on and around the wreck at\nPickles Reef\nand the over-lapping wrecks at the\nMolasses Reef Wreck\n, or contemporary pollution in bodies of water, that severely affect shipwrecks by changing the chemical structures, or further damaging what is left of a specific ship.\nDespite these challenges, if the information retrieved does not appear to be sufficient,\n[\nfurther explanation needed\n]\nor a poor preservation is achieved, authors like J.A. Parker claim that it is the historical value of the shipwreck\n[\nfurther explanation needed\n]\nthat counts as well as any slight piece of information or evidence that is acquired.\n[\n7\n]\nConstruction materials\n[\nedit\n]\nThe Wreck, by Knud-Andreassen Baade\nc.\n 1835\nExposed\nwooden\ncomponents decay quickly.\n[\ncitation needed\n]\nOften the only wooden parts of ships that remain after a century are those that were buried in\nsilt\nor\nsand\nsoon after the sinking. An example of this is\nMary Rose\n.\nSteel\nand\niron\n, depending on their thickness, may retain the ship's structure for decades. As\ncorrosion\ntakes place, sometimes accelerated by tides and weather, the structure collapses. Thicker ferrous objects such as\ncannons\n,\nboilers\nor the\npressure vessel\nof a\nsubmarine\ngenerall survive longer underwater in spite of corrosion.\nPropellers\n,\ncondensers\n,\nhinges\nand portholes were often made from non-ferrous metals such as\nbrass\nand\nbronze\n, which do not corrode easily.\nFresh and low salinity water\n[\nedit\n]\nShipwrecks in some\nfreshwater\nlakes, such as the\nGreat Lakes\nof North America, have remained intact with little degradation. In some sea areas, most notably in\nGulf of Bothnia\nand\nGulf of Finland\n, salinity is very low, and centuries-old wrecks have been preserved in reasonable condition. However,\nbacteria\nfound in fresh water can cause the wood of wrecked ships to rot more quickly than in seawater unless it is deprived of oxygen.\n[\n8\n]\nTwo shipwrecks,\nUSS \nHamilton\nand\nUSS \nScourge\n, have been at the bottom of\nLake Ontario\nsince they sunk during a violent storm on August 8, 1813, during the\nWar of 1812\n. They are in \"remarkably good\" condition.\n[\n9\n]\nWrecks typically decay rapidly when in\nseawater\n. There are several reasons for this:\nIron\n-based metals\ncorrode\nmuch more quickly in seawater because of the dissolved\nsalt\npresent; the sodium and chloride\nions\nchemically accelerate the process of metal oxidation which, in the case of ferrous metals, leads to\nrust\n. Such cases are prominent on deep-water shipwrecks, such as\nRMS\nTitanic\n(sank 1912),\nRMS \nLusitania\n(sank 1915), and\nGerman battleship \nBismarck\n(sank 1941). However, there are some exceptions;\nRMS Empress of Ireland\n(sank 1914) lies in the saltwater portion of the\nSt. Lawrence River\n, but is still in remarkably good condition.\n[\n10\n]\nUnprotected wood in seawater is rapidly consumed by\nshipworms\nand small wood-boring sea creatures. Shipworms found in higher salinity waters, such as the\nCaribbean\n, are notorious for boring into wooden structures that are immersed in sea water and can completely destroy the hull of a wooden shipwreck.\n[\n11\n]\nLoss, salvage, and demolition\n[\nedit\n]\nThe shipwreck of\nSS \nAustria\non 13 September 1858\nAn important factor in the condition of the wreck is the level of destruction at the time of the loss or shortly afterwards due to the nature of the loss, salvage or later demolition.\nExamples of severe destruction at the time of loss are:\nBeing blown onto a beach, reef, or rocks during a storm, termed \"grounding\"  (e.g.,\nRoyal Adelaide\n)\nCollision with another ship (e.g.,\nAndrea Doria\n)\nCatastrophic explosion (e.g.,\nHMS \nHood\n), steamship boilers often explode when water covers them during the process of sinking\nFire that burns for a long time before the ship sinks (e.g.,\nAchille Lauro\n)\nFoundering, i.e., taking in so much water that buoyancy is lost and the ship sinks (e.g., RMS\nTitanic\nand HMHS\nBritannic\n); some ships with a dense cargo (e.g., iron ore) may break up when sinking quickly and hitting a rocky seabed\nEnemy action from\naerial bombs\nor\ntorpedoes\nthat may cause destruction before sinking (e.g., the\nItalian battleship \nRoma\nand\nHMS \nBarham\n)\nAfter the loss, the vessel's owners may attempt to\nsalvage\nvaluable parts of the ship and its cargo. This operation can cause further damage.\nShipwrecks in shallow water near busy shipping lanes are often demolished or removed to reduce the danger to other vessels. On charts, some wreck symbols have a line under the symbol with a depth mark, which indicates the water depth above the wreck.\nDepth, tide and weather\n[\nedit\n]\nOn the seabed, wrecks are slowly broken up by the forces of\nwave action\ncaused by the weather and currents caused by\ntides\n. More highly oxygenated water promotes\ncorrosion\n, which reduces the strength of ferrous structural materials of the ship. Deeper wrecks may be protected by less exposure to water movement and by lower levels of oxygen in water.\nExtreme cold (such as in a\nglacial-fed\nlake,\nArctic\nwaters, the\nGreat Lakes\n, etc.) slows the degradation of ship materials. Decay, corrosion and marine encrustation are inhibited in cold waters.\n[\n12\n]\nMany modern shipwrecks contribute to\nmarine pollution\n, mainly as sources of significant\noil spills\n.\n[\n13\n]\nA 2005 survey of shipwrecks since 1890 found that over 8,500 of the submerged wrecks may still contain oil.\n[\n14\n]\nOil spills can have devastating effects on marine and coastal environments as well as fisheries. In addition to being toxic to marine life,\npolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons\n(PAHs), found in\ncrude oil\n, are very difficult to clean up, and last for years in the\nsediment\nand marine environment.\n[\n15\n]\n[\n16\n]\nShipwreck pollution may also originate with a ship's cargo or munitions,\n[\n13\n]\nsuch as\nunexploded ordnance\nor\nchemical weapons\ncanisters.\n[\n17\n]\nGerman trawler\nV 1302\nJohn Mahn\n, sunk in the\nNorth Sea\nin 1942,\n[\n18\n]\n[\n19\n]\nhas multiple unexploded\ndepth charges\non board which render the wreck hazardous.\n[\n18\n]\nSamples taken from the wreck and nearby sediment show the presence of\nheavy metals\nlike nickel and copper, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,\narsenic\nand explosive compounds, which have changed the local microbial ecology.\n[\n16\n]\nNatural deterioration process\n[\nedit\n]\nPropeller amongst corals\nIron and steel wrecks are subject to corrosion, which is most rapid in shallow sea water where the salinity induces galvanic corrosion, oxygen content is high and water movement replenishes the oxygen rapidly. In deeper water and in still water the corrosion rates can be greatly reduced. Corrosion rates of iron and steel are also reduced when concretions, solid layers of rust, or layers of marine organisms separate the metal from the ambient water, and encourage the development of a layer of relatively stable black oxide in the hypoxic layers.\n[\n20\n]\nA shipwreck may have value in several forms:\n[\n20\n]\nCultural heritage,\n[\n20\n]\nRecreational diving and other tourism attraction\n[\n20\n]\nScientific, educational and monetary values\n[\n20\n]\nArtificial reefs\n[\n20\n]\nMonetary value of salvageable cargo and components\n[\n20\n]\nOften, attempts are made to salvage shipwrecks, particularly those recently wrecked, to recover the whole or part of the ship, its cargo, or its equipment. An example was the salvage of the\nscuttled German High Seas Fleet at Scapa Flow\nin the 1920s and 1930s. The unauthorized salvage of wrecks is called\nwrecking\n.\nShipwreck law determines important legal questions regarding wrecks, perhaps the most important question being the question of ownership. Legally wrecks are divided into\nwreccum maris\n(material washed ashore after a shipwreck) and\nadventurae maris\n(material still at sea),\n[\n21\n]\nwhich are treated differently by some, but not all, legal systems.\nViewing at\nChristie's\nauction in Amsterdam for the cargo of the\nDutch East India Company\n(VOC) ship\nGeldermalsen\n(1747)\nWrecks are often considered separately from their cargo. For example, in the British case of\nLusitania\n[1986] QB 384 it was accepted that the remains of the vessel itself were owned by the insurance underwriters who had paid out on the vessel as a total loss by virtue of the law of\nsubrogation\n(who subsequently sold their rights), but that the property aboard the wreck still belonged to its original owners or their heirs.\nMilitary wrecks, however, remain under the jurisdiction – and hence protection – of the government that lost the ship, or that government's successor. Hence, a German\nU-boat\nfrom World War II still technically belongs to the German government, although\nNazi Germany\n(the government at the time) is long-defunct. Many military wrecks are also protected by virtue of being\nwar graves\n.\nHowever, many legal systems allow the rights of salvors to override the rights of the original owners of a wreck or its cargo. As a general rule, non-historic civilian shipwrecks are considered fair game for salvage. Under international\nmaritime law\n, for shipwrecks of a certain age, the original owner may have lost all claim to the cargo. Anyone who finds the wreck can then file a salvage claim on it and place a lien on the vessel, and subsequently mount a salvage operation (see\nFinders, keepers\n).\n[\n22\n]\nThe State of North Carolina questionably claims \"all photographs, video recordings, or other documentary materials of a derelict vessel or shipwreck or its contents, relics, artifacts, or historic materials in the custody of any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions\" to be its property.\n[\n23\n]\nSome countries assert claims to all wrecks within their territorial waters, irrespective of the interest of the original owner or the salvor.\n[\n24\n]\nMSC Napoli\nbeached off Branscombe\nSome legal systems regard a wreck and its cargo to be abandoned if no attempt is made to salvage them within a certain period of time. English law has usually resisted this notion (encouraged by an extremely large maritime insurance industry, which asserts claims in respect of shipwrecks which it has paid claims on), but it has been accepted to a greater or lesser degree in an Australian case\n[\n25\n]\nand in a Norwegian case.\n[\n26\n]\nThe American courts have been inconsistent between states and at federal level.\n[\n27\n]\nUnder Danish law, all shipwrecks over 150 years old belong to the state if no owner can be found.\n[\ncitation needed\n]\nIn Spain, wrecks vest in the state if not salvaged within 3 years.\n[\ncitation needed\n]\nIn Finland, all property on board shipwrecks over 100 years old vests in the state.\n[\ncitation needed\n]\nThe British\nProtection of Wrecks Act\n, enacted to protect historic wrecks, controls access to wrecks such as\nCattewater Wreck\nwhich can only be visited or investigated under licence. The British\nProtection of Military Remains Act 1986\nalso restricts access to wrecks which are sensitive as\nwar graves\n. The Protection of Military Remains Act in some cases creates a blanket ban on all diving; for other wrecks divers may visit provided they do not touch, interfere with or penetrate the wreck. In the United States, shipwrecks in state waters are regulated by the\nAbandoned Shipwrecks Act\nof 1987. This act is much more lenient in allowing more open access to the shipwrecks.\nFollowing the beaching of\nMSC Napoli\n, as a result of severe damage incurred during European storm\nKyrill\n, there was confusion in the press and by the authorities about whether people could be prevented from helping themselves to the\nflotsam\nwhich was washed up on the beaches at\nBranscombe\n. Many people took advantage of the confusion and helped themselves to the cargo. This included many\nBMW\nmotorbikes and empty wine casks as well as bags of disposable nappies (\ndiapers\n).\n[\n28\n]\nThe legal position under the\nMerchant Shipping Act 1995\nis that any such finds and recovery must be reported within 28 days to the\nReceiver of Wreck\n.\n[\n29\n]\nFailure to do so is an offence under the Merchant Shipping Act and can result in a criminal record for\ntheft by finding\n.\n[\n30\n]\nAfter several days, the police and Receiver of Wreck, in conjunction with the landowner and the contracted\nsalvors\n, established a cordon to prevent access to the beach.\n[\n31\n]\nA similar situation occurred after the wreck of\nCita\nin 1997.\nHistoric wrecks (often but not always defined as being more than 50 years of age) are often protected from pillaging and looting through national laws protecting cultural heritage.\n[\n32\n]\nInternationally they may be protected by a State ratifying the\nUnesco Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage\n. In this case pillaging is not allowed. One such example is\nQueen Anne's Revenge\n[\n33\n]\nwhich is undergoing archaeological recovery by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources near Beaufort Inlet, NC.\nAn important international convention aiming at the protection of underwater cultural heritage (including shipwrecks) is the\nConvention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.\n[\n34\n]\nThe 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage represents the international community's response to the increasing looting and destruction of underwater cultural heritage. It forms part of a group of UNESCO standard setting instruments regarding the domain of cultural heritage, encompassing seven conventions adopted by UNESCO Member States, which constitute a coherent and complementary body guaranteeing a complete protection of all forms of cultural heritage.\nThe UNESCO 2001 Convention is an international treaty aimed exclusively at the protection of underwater cultural heritage and the facilitation of international cooperation in this regard. It does not change sovereignty rights of States or regulate the ownership of wrecks or submerged ruins.\n[\n35\n]\nIn 2011, the most valuable cargo of a sunken shipwreck was identified near the western edge of the\nCeltic Sea\n. This World War II era sinking of\nGairsoppa\nled to a treasure almost three miles (16,000 ft; 4,800 m) deep.\n[\n36\n]\nA U.S. federal court and a panel from the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit have upheld the Spanish claim to the contents of the ship\nNuestra Señora de las Mercedes\n; Spain took control of the treasure in February 2012. A very small number of coins and effects recovered from the ship were deposited in Gibraltar, because they showed clear signs coherent with an internal explosion on the ship and thus confirmed Spanish claims to the wreck being that of the\nNuestra Señora de las Mercedes\n. They were not returned to Spain until 2013, when a court finally ordered Odyssey Marine to return the missing pieces.\nArchaeologist\nValerios Stais\ndiscovered one of the most notable instruments of time keeping and prediction of celestial events off the coast of the Greek island Antikythera on May 17, 1902. The device, known as the\nAntikythera Mechanism\n, is perhaps the earliest example of what would be known as today as an\nanalog computer\n, and the technology it encompasses predates any other recorded description by hundreds or thousands of years.\nShipwreck on a shore near\nGytheio\n,\nGreece\nWrecked fishing boats in\nFinnmark\n, North\nNorway\nThe ferry\nAssalama\nwrecked off of\nTarfaya\n,\nMorocco\nShip wreck of\nMaheno\n,\nFraser Island\n, Australia\nShipwreck of\nFrotamerica\nat the west coast of\nNamibia\nA piece of Shipwreck of  Portuguese stranded deep sea-takers 1975 Luanda\nA Shipwreck in Luanda\nLists of shipwrecks\nArchaeology of shipwrecks\n – Study of human activity through the analysis of shipwreck artifacts\nAbandoned Shipwrecks Act\n – US legislation\nAustralasian Underwater Cultural Heritage Database\n – Online database containing data about shipwrecks and other sunken cultural artefacts\nThe captain goes down with the ship\n – Maritime tradition\nConservation and restoration of shipwreck artifacts\nFlotsam, jetsam, lagan and derelict\n – Specific kinds of property lost or abandoned at sea\nHistoric Shipwrecks Act 1976\n – Australian legislation (Superseded by the\nUnderwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018\n)\nHulk (ship type)\n – Ship that is afloat, but not seagoing\nNairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks\n – 2007 treaty\nShip graveyard\n – Location where scrapped ships are left\nShipwrecking\n – Event causing a ship to wreck\nSecond Geneva Convention\n – 1949 treaty\nSinking ships for wreck diving sites\n – Scuttling old ships to produce artificial reefs\nUnderwater archaeology\n – Study of human activity via evidence found underwater\nWreck diving\n – Recreational diving on wrecks\n^\nAngela Croome (January 16, 1999). \"\nSinking fast\nArchived\n2017-12-25 at the\nWayback Machine\n\", New Scientist, Volume 161, Issue 2169, pp. 49.\n^\n\"Sinking fast\",\nMarine Industrial Technology, 1 and 2\/1999\nArchived\n2021-02-24 at the\nWayback Machine\n, Emerging Technology Series, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, pp. 58.\n^\nLucia Iglesias Kuntz (June 12, 2002), \"\nUNESCO urges the Americas to join the underwater heritage convention\nArchived\n2017-12-26 at the\nWayback Machine\n\", UNESCO Media Services.\n^\n\"\nLisbon Resolution\nArchived\n2017-12-25 at the\nWayback Machine\n\", Society for Historical Archaeology Newsletter, Summer 1999, Volume 32, Number 2, pp. 31.\n^\n\"Wrecks and Obstructions Database\"\n.\nNOAA\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on 2018-04-05\n. Retrieved\n2018-04-26\n.\n^\nScurvy, Death and Cannibalism\n(internet video). Shipwreck Central. 2007. Archived from\nthe original\non 2008-03-06.\n^\nParker, A.J. (1981). \"Stratification and contamination in ancient Mediterranean shipwrecks\".\nThe International Journal of Nautical Archaeology and Underwater Exploration\n.\n10\n(4):\n309–\n335.\ndoi\n:\n10.1111\/j.1095-9270.1981.tb00045.x\n.\n^\n\"Final Management Plan\"\n(PDF)\n.\nThunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary\n. NOAA.\nArchived\n(PDF)\nfrom the original on 12 November 2015\n. Retrieved\n11 August\n2015\n.\n^\n\"Hamilton's War of 1812 shipwrecks 'an archeologist's dream'\n\"\n.\ncbc.ca\n. CBC News.\nArchived\nfrom the original on 24 September 2015\n. Retrieved\n11 August\n2015\n.\n^\nDominique (2010).\n\"Empress of Ireland (Canada)\"\n.\nTekdiv Exploration\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on 18 July 2014\n. Retrieved\n16 March\n2019\n.\n^\nGilman, Sarah (December 5, 2016).\n\"How a Ship-Sinking Clam Conquered the Ocean\"\n.\nSmithsonian Mag\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on 9 July 2019\n. Retrieved\n16 March\n2019\n.\n^\nSteere, Mike (12 May 1996).\n\"Superior keeps its shipwrecks fresh Preservation: In the cold, almost sterile water at the bottom of the Great Lake, divers find the remains of marine disasters\"\n.\nBaltimore Sun\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on 16 November 2018\n. Retrieved\n29 August\n2015\n.\n^\na\nb\nSpalding, Mark J. (January 2013).\n\"Underwater WWII Wrecks – Pollution or Cultural Heritage? | Smithsonian Ocean\"\n. Smithsonian Institution.\nArchived\nfrom the original on 2024-07-23\n. Retrieved\n2022-10-26\n.\n^\nMichel, Jacqueline; Schmidt Etkin, Dagmar; Gilbert, Trevor; Urban, Robert; Waldron, Jon; Blocksidge, Charles T. (2005).\n\"Potentially Polluting Wrecks in Marine Waters: An Issue Paper Prepared for the 2005 International Oil Spill Conference\"\n(PDF)\n.\nHelcom\n: 8, 11. Archived from\nthe original\n(PDF)\non 2022-10-06\n. Retrieved\n2022-10-26\n.\n^\nPanetta, L.E. (Chair) (2003).\nAmerica's living oceans: charting a course for sea change\n(PDF)\n. Pew Oceans Commission. p. 64.\nArchived\n(PDF)\nfrom the original on 2024-03-17\n. Retrieved\n2022-10-26\n.\n^\na\nb\nVan Landuyt, Josefien; Kundu, Kankana; Van Haelst, Sven; Neyts, Marijke; Parmentier, Koen; De Rijcke, Maarten; Boon, Nico (2022-10-18).\n\"80 years later: Marine sediments still influenced by an old war ship\"\n.\nFrontiers in Marine Science\n.\n9\n1017136.\ndoi\n:\n10.3389\/fmars.2022.1017136\n.\nhdl\n:\n1854\/LU-01GKS4PJA2JJ06GXN0FQHFMB4D\n.\nISSN\n \n2296-7745\n.\n^\nBrown, Valerie J. (April 2005).\n\"Warfare: Iraq's Toxic Shipwrecks\"\n.\nEnvironmental Health Perspectives\n.\n113\n(4): A230.\ndoi\n:\n10.1289\/ehp.113-a230\n.\nISSN\n \n0091-6765\n.\nPMC\n \n1278500\n.\nPMID\n \n15811816\n.\n^\na\nb\nSven, Van Haelst (2020). Mees, Jan; Seys, Jan (eds.).\n\"North Sea Wrecks: A future decision support tool for blue growth activities\"\n.\nVlaams Instituut voor de Zee – Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ)\n.\n84\n: 83 – via ResearchGate.\n^\nTermote, Tomas; Termote, Dirk (2009).\nSchatten en Scheepswrakken: boeiende onderwaterarcheologie in de Noordzee\n(in Dutch). Davidsfonds Leuven.\n^\na\nb\nc\nd\ne\nf\ng\nh\ni\nEdney, Joanne (November 2006).\n\"Impacts of Recreational Scuba Diving on Shipwrecks in Australia and the Pacific - A Review\"\n.\nMicronesian Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences\n.\n5\n(1\/2 Combined). Albury NSW, Australia: Heritage Futures International.\nISSN\n \n1449-7336\n. Archived from\nthe original\non 2021-02-25\n. Retrieved\n2020-03-16\n.\n^\nFor example, under English law the former were dealt with under rules relating to things found on land, the latter were dealt with under Admiralty jurisdiction.\n^\nWhite, Stephen F. (5 October 2001).\n\"Treasure Salvage: Finders Keepers?\"\n.\nwcslaw.com\n. Archived from\nthe original\non 17 September 2015\n. Retrieved\n16 March\n2019\n.\n^\nBerger, Philip E.; Moore, Tim; McCrory, Pat (18 August 2015).\n\"HB 184\"\n(PDF)\n.\nGeneral Assembly of North Carolina\n. p. 6.\nArchived\n(PDF)\nfrom the original on 28 September 2015\n. Retrieved\n16 March\n2019\n.\n^\nFor example, the US\nAbandoned Shipwrecks Act\n1987 and the Spanish Estatuto No 60\/62, 24 December 1962\n^\nRobinson v Western Australian Museum\n(1977) 51 ALJR 806 at 820-821, although significantly the court held that it had not been abandoned despite the fact the ship, the\nGilt Dragon\n, was lost in 1656.\n^\nN. Rt. 346 (1970 N.D. 107), per Eckhoff J. (\nSupreme Court of Norway\n), \"It is possible that an owner's inactivity over a long period of time, taking into account the circumstances, can be sufficient reason for considering that the proprietary right to the wrecked vessel has been relinquished. ... [But] inactivity over a certain number of years cannot in itself be conclusive.\"\n^\nIn\nTreasure Salvors Inc. v Unidentified Wreck\n[1978] AMC 1404, [1981] AMC 1857 relating to\nthe\nAtocha\nthe courts treated the wreck and cargo as abandoned, arguing it would be an \"absurd fiction\" to regard a centuries-old shipwreck as still owned by the original owner. But in\nColumbus America Discovery Groupo v Unidentified Wreck\n[1990] AMC 2409, (1992) 337 LMNL 1 the courts were prepared to uphold the claims of the original insurers to the cargo subject to their providing the necessary proof, which they were unable to do.\n^\n\"Napoli 'scavenging' beach to open\"\n.\nBBC News\n.\nBBC\n. 14 March 2007. Archived from\nthe original\non 17 March 2007\n. Retrieved\n19 September\n2009\n.\n^\n\"ROW- The reporting process\"\n.\nMaritime and Coastguard Agency\n. Archived from\nthe original\non 25 February 2008\n. Retrieved\n18 May\n2013\n.\n^\n\"Wreck and salvage law - Detailed guidance\"\n.\nMaritime and Coastguard Agency\n. 14 September 2012. Archived from\nthe original\non 28 January 2011\n. Retrieved\n17 September\n2015\n.\n^\n\"Structural failure of container vessel MSC Napoli and subsequent beaching Marine Accident Investigation Branch report\"\n.\nMaritime and Coastguard Agency\n. 18 January 2007. Archived from\nthe original\non 18 October 2007\n. Retrieved\n17 September\n2015\n.\n^\n\"What Lies Beneath\"\n.\nBBC Radio World Service\nBroadcast\n.\nBbc.co.uk\n. 22 August 2008.\nArchived\nfrom the original on 6 January 2017\n. Retrieved\n19 September\n2009\n.\n^\nSchuster, Angela M.H. (May–June 1979).\n\"Blackbeard's Flagship\"\n.\nArchaeology Magazine Archive\n.\nArchaeological Institute of America\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on 27 August 2015\n. Retrieved\n17 September\n2015\n.\n^\n\"Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage\"\n.\nUNESCO\n. 2001. Archived from\nthe original\non 15 August 2008\n. Retrieved\n19 September\n2009\n.\n^\nRoberts, Hayley (2018).\n\"The British Ratification of the Underwater Heritage Convention: Problems and Prospects\"\n.\nInternational & Comparative Law Quarterly\n.\n67\n(4):\n833–\n865.\ndoi\n:\n10.1017\/S0020589318000210\n.\nISSN\n \n0020-5893\n.\nS2CID\n \n149780539\n.\nArchived\nfrom the original on 2020-06-10\n. Retrieved\n2020-05-23\n.\n^\nHogan, C.Michael (27 September 2011).\n\"SS Gairsoppa recovery\"\n. In Saundry, Peter; Cleveland, C.J. (eds.).\nEncyclopedia of Earth\n. Washington DC:\nNational Council for Science and the Environment\n. Archived from\nthe original\non 4 June 2013\n. Retrieved\n16 March\n2019\n.\nJamieson, Alan G. (2022),\nOut of the Depths: A History of Shipwrecks\n, Reaktion Books,\nISBN\n \n9781789146196\nLarn, Richard; Larn, Bridget; Lloyd's Register of Shipping (1995),\nShipwreck index of the British Isles\n, Lloyd's Register of Shipping\n; Vol.1 - The South West\nISBN\n \n0-900528-88-5\n; Vol.2 - The South Coast,\nISBN\n \n0-900528-99-0\n; Vol.3 - The East Coast,\nISBN\n \n1-900839-10-5\n; Vol.4 - Scotland,\nISBN\n \n1-900839-01-6\n; Vol.5 - West Coast & Wales,\nISBN\n \n1-900839-61-X\n; Vol. 6- Ireland (all)\nISBN\n \n1-900839-03-2\nMuckenhaupt, P. G. (2018),\nTreasure Pirates Shipwrecks Gold and Silver\n, Amazon Digital Services LLC\nISBN\n \n9781729469668\nWikimedia Commons has media related to\nShipwrecks\n.\nUNESCO 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage\nWreckSite.eu\n, worldwide database of + 105,000 wrecks with history, maritime charts and GPS positions (subscription required)\n(in Dutch, English, French, German, and Spanish)\nNOAA Wrecks and Obstructions Database\nArchived\n2021-07-23 at the\nWayback Machine\nWreck Diving in the Graveyard of the Atlantic\nThunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary\nBattle Over Shipwreck Photos Brews in N.C.\n, Courthouse News\nN.C Supreme Court revives lawsuit over Blackbeard's ship and lost Spanish treasure ship\n, Fayetteville Observer","attrs_markdown":"[Jump to content](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#bodyContent)\n\nMain menu\n\nMain menu\n\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\nNavigation\n\n- [Main page](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Main_Page \"Visit the main page [z]\")\n- [Contents](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Contents \"Guides to browsing Wikipedia\")\n- [Current events](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Portal:Current_events \"Articles related to current events\")\n- [Random article](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:Random \"Visit a randomly selected article [x]\")\n- [About Wikipedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:About \"Learn about Wikipedia and how it works\")\n- [Contact us](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Contact_us \"How to contact Wikipedia\")\n\nContribute\n\n- [Help](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Contents \"Guidance on how to use and edit Wikipedia\")\n- [Learn to edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Introduction \"Learn how to edit Wikipedia\")\n- [Community portal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Community_portal \"The hub for editors\")\n- [Recent changes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:RecentChanges \"A list of recent changes to Wikipedia [r]\")\n- [Upload file](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:File_upload_wizard \"Add images or other media for use on Wikipedia\")\n- [Special pages](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:SpecialPages \"A list of all special pages [q]\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/icons\/enwiki-25.svg) ![Wikipedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/mobile\/copyright\/wikipedia-wordmark-en-25.svg) ![The Free Encyclopedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/mobile\/copyright\/wikipedia-tagline-en-25.svg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Main_Page)\n\n[Search](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:Search \"Search Wikipedia [f]\")\n\nAppearance\n\n- [Donate](https:\/\/donate.wikimedia.org\/?wmf_source=donate&wmf_medium=sidebar&wmf_campaign=en.wikipedia.org&uselang=en)\n- [Create account](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:CreateAccount&returnto=Shipwreck \"You are encouraged to create an account and log in; however, it is not mandatory\")\n- [Log in](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&returnto=Shipwreck \"You're encouraged to log in; however, it's not mandatory. [o]\")\n\nPersonal tools\n\n- [Donate](https:\/\/donate.wikimedia.org\/?wmf_source=donate&wmf_medium=sidebar&wmf_campaign=en.wikipedia.org&uselang=en)\n- [Create account](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:CreateAccount&returnto=Shipwreck \"You are encouraged to create an account and log in; however, it is not mandatory\")\n- [Log in](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&returnto=Shipwreck \"You're encouraged to log in; however, it's not mandatory. [o]\")\n\n## Contents\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\n- [(Top)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck)\n- [1 Types](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#Types)\n  Toggle Types subsection\n  - [1\\.1 Historic wrecks](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#Historic_wrecks)\n  - [1\\.2 Environmental hazards](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#Environmental_hazards)\n  - [1\\.3 Hazards to navigation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#Hazards_to_navigation)\n  - [1\\.4 Artificial reefs and dive sites](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#Artificial_reefs_and_dive_sites)\n  - [1\\.5 Well known incidents and disasters](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#Well_known_incidents_and_disasters)\n  - [1\\.6 Abandoned or scuttled derelicts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#Abandoned_or_scuttled_derelicts)\n- [2 Causes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#Causes)\n- [3 Distribution](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#Distribution)\n- [4 State of preservation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#State_of_preservation)\n  Toggle State of preservation subsection\n  - [4\\.1 Construction materials](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#Construction_materials)\n  - [4\\.2 Salinity of water](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#Salinity_of_water)\n    - [4\\.2.1 Fresh and low salinity water](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#Fresh_and_low_salinity_water)\n    - [4\\.2.2 Seawater](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#Seawater)\n  - [4\\.3 Loss, salvage, and demolition](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#Loss,_salvage,_and_demolition)\n  - [4\\.4 Depth, tide and weather](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#Depth,_tide_and_weather)\n  - [4\\.5 Temperature](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#Temperature)\n- [5 Marine pollution](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#Marine_pollution)\n- [6 Natural deterioration process](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#Natural_deterioration_process)\n- [7 Value](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#Value)\n- [8 Salvage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#Salvage)\n  Toggle Salvage subsection\n  - [8\\.1 Legal aspects](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#Legal_aspects)\n  - [8\\.2 Notable salvages](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#Notable_salvages)\n- [9 Gallery](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#Gallery)\n- [10 See also](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#See_also)\n- [11 References](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#References)\n- [12 Further reading](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#Further_reading)\n- [13 External links](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#External_links)\n\nToggle the table of contents\n\n# Shipwreck\n32 languages\n\n- [العربية](https:\/\/ar.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D8%AD%D8%B7%D8%A7%D9%85_%D8%B3%D9%81%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%A9 \"حطام سفينة – Arabic\")\n- [Беларуская](https:\/\/be.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D0%9A%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%80%D1%83%D1%88%D1%8D%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%B5 \"Караблекрушэнне – Belarusian\")\n- [Català](https:\/\/ca.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Derelicte \"Derelicte – Catalan\")\n- [Čeština](https:\/\/cs.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lodn%C3%AD_vrak \"Lodní vrak – Czech\")\n- [Cymraeg](https:\/\/cy.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Llongddrylliad \"Llongddrylliad – Welsh\")\n- [Dansk](https:\/\/da.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vrag \"Vrag – Danish\")\n- [Ελληνικά](https:\/\/el.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%CE%9D%CE%B1%CF%85%CE%AC%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%BF \"Ναυάγιο – Greek\")\n- [Esperanto](https:\/\/eo.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%C5%9Cipvrako \"Ŝipvrako – Esperanto\")\n- [Español](https:\/\/es.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pecio \"Pecio – Spanish\")\n- [Euskara](https:\/\/eu.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ontzi-hondakin \"Ontzi-hondakin – Basque\")\n- [Suomi](https:\/\/fi.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hylky \"Hylky – Finnish\")\n- [Français](https:\/\/fr.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%C3%89pave_\\(maritime\\) \"Épave (maritime) – French\")\n- [Frysk](https:\/\/fy.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Skipswrak \"Skipswrak – Western Frisian\")\n- [עברית](https:\/\/he.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D7%90%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%99%D7%99%D7%94_%D7%98%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%A4%D7%94 \"אונייה טרופה – Hebrew\")\n- [Hrvatski](https:\/\/hr.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Brodolom \"Brodolom – Croatian\")\n- [Bahasa Indonesia](https:\/\/id.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bangkai_kapal \"Bangkai kapal – Indonesian\")\n- [Íslenska](https:\/\/is.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Skipsflak \"Skipsflak – Icelandic\")\n- [Italiano](https:\/\/it.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Relitto \"Relitto – Italian\")\n- [한국어](https:\/\/ko.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%EB%82%9C%ED%8C%8C%EC%84%A0 \"난파선 – Korean\")\n- [Kernowek](https:\/\/kw.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gwreck_Gorhel \"Gwreck Gorhel – Cornish\")\n- [Latina](https:\/\/la.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Naufragium \"Naufragium – Latin\")\n- [Македонски](https:\/\/mk.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D0%91%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%BC \"Бродолом – Macedonian\")\n- [Nederlands](https:\/\/nl.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Scheepswrak \"Scheepswrak – Dutch\")\n- [پنجابی](https:\/\/pnb.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%DA%A9%D8%B4%D8%AA%DB%8C_%D8%AF%DB%8C_%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%82%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%AA \"کشتی دی باقیات – Western Punjabi\")\n- [Português](https:\/\/pt.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Destro%C3%A7o_mar%C3%ADtimo \"Destroço marítimo – Portuguese\")\n- [Română](https:\/\/ro.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Epav%C4%83 \"Epavă – Romanian\")\n- [Simple English](https:\/\/simple.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck \"Shipwreck – Simple English\")\n- [Svenska](https:\/\/sv.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Skeppsvrak \"Skeppsvrak – Swedish\")\n- [Türkçe](https:\/\/tr.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bat%C4%B1k \"Batık – Turkish\")\n- [اردو](https:\/\/ur.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%DA%A9%D8%B4%D8%AA%DB%8C_%DA%A9%DB%8C_%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%82%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%AA \"کشتی کی باقیات – Urdu\")\n- [粵語](https:\/\/zh-yue.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E8%88%B9%E9%9A%BB%E6%AE%98%E9%AA%B8 \"船隻殘骸 – Cantonese\")\n- [中文](https:\/\/zh.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E6%B2%89%E8%88%B9 \"沉船 – Chinese\")\n\n[Edit links](https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Special:EntityPage\/Q852190#sitelinks-wikipedia \"Edit interlanguage links\")\n\n- [Article](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck \"View the content page [c]\")\n- [Talk](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Talk:Shipwreck \"Discuss improvements to the content page [t]\")\n\nEnglish\n\n- [Read](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck)\n- [Edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit \"Edit this page [e]\")\n- [View history](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=history \"Past revisions of this page [h]\")\n\nTools\n\nTools\n\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\nActions\n\n- [Read](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck)\n- [Edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit \"Edit this page [e]\")\n- [View history](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=history)\n\nGeneral\n\n- [What links here](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:WhatLinksHere\/Shipwreck \"List of all English Wikipedia pages containing links to this page [j]\")\n- [Related changes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:RecentChangesLinked\/Shipwreck \"Recent changes in pages linked from this page [k]\")\n- [Upload file](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:File_Upload_Wizard \"Upload files [u]\")\n- [Permanent link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&oldid=1332680993 \"Permanent link to this revision of this page\")\n- [Page information](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=info \"More information about this page\")\n- [Cite this page](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:CiteThisPage&page=Shipwreck&id=1332680993&wpFormIdentifier=titleform \"Information on how to cite this page\")\n- [Get shortened URL](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:UrlShortener&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FShipwreck)\n\nPrint\/export\n\n- [Download as PDF](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:DownloadAsPdf&page=Shipwreck&action=show-download-screen \"Download this page as a PDF file\")\n- [Printable version](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&printable=yes \"Printable version of this page [p]\")\n\nIn other projects\n\n- [Wikimedia Commons](https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Shipwrecks)\n- [Wikiquote](https:\/\/en.wikiquote.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck)\n- [Wikidata item](https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Special:EntityPage\/Q852190 \"Structured data on this page hosted by Wikidata [g]\")\n\nAppearance\n\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\nFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia\n\nPhysical remains of a beached or sunk ship\n\nFor other uses, see [Shipwreck (disambiguation)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck_\\(disambiguation\\) \"Shipwreck (disambiguation)\").\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Shipwreck_of_the_SS_American_Star_on_the_shore_of_Fuerteventura.jpg\/500px-Shipwreck_of_the_SS_American_Star_on_the_shore_of_Fuerteventura.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Shipwreck_of_the_SS_American_Star_on_the_shore_of_Fuerteventura.jpg)\n\nThe shipwreck of [SS *American Star*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SS_America_\\(1939\\) \"SS America (1939)\") on the shore of [Fuerteventura](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fuerteventura \"Fuerteventura\") in 2004\n\n| [Admiralty and maritime law](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maritime_law \"Maritime law\") |\n|---|\n| [![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/7\/76\/Nautical_icon.svg\/120px-Nautical_icon.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Nautical_icon.svg) |\n| History |\n| [Code of Hammurabi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Code_of_Hammurabi \"Code of Hammurabi\") *[Corpus Juris Civilis](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Corpus_Juris_Civilis \"Corpus Juris Civilis\")* *[Digesta](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Digest_\\(Roman_law\\)#Contents \"Digest (Roman law)\")* *[Ordinamenta et consuetudo maris](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ordinamenta_et_consuetudo_maris \"Ordinamenta et consuetudo maris\")* [Amalfian Laws](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Amalfian_Laws \"Amalfian Laws\") [Hanseatic League](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hanseatic_League \"Hanseatic League\") |\n| Features |\n| [Fishing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fishing_industry \"Fishing industry\") [Illegal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Illegal,_unreported_and_unregulated_fishing \"Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing\") [Fisheries law](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fisheries_law \"Fisheries law\") [Maritime transport](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maritime_transport \"Maritime transport\") [Shipping](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Freight_transport \"Freight transport\")\/[ferry](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ferry \"Ferry\") [Cargo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cargo \"Cargo\") [Freight](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Freight_rate \"Freight rate\") [Shipbuilding](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipbuilding \"Shipbuilding\") [Merchant marine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Merchant_navy \"Merchant navy\") [Cargo ship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cargo_ship \"Cargo ship\") [Passenger ship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Passenger_ship \"Passenger ship\") [Mortgage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ship_mortgage \"Ship mortgage\") [Registration](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ship_registration \"Ship registration\") [Marine insurance](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marine_insurance \"Marine insurance\") [Act of God](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Act_of_God \"Act of God\") [Cargo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipping_insurance \"Shipping insurance\") [Collision](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ship_collision \"Ship collision\") [General average](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/General_average \"General average\") [Seaworthiness](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Seaworthiness_\\(law\\) \"Seaworthiness (law)\") [Total loss]() [Maritime security](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maritime_security \"Maritime security\") [Letter of marque](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Letter_of_marque \"Letter of marque\") [Drugs](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maritime_drug_trafficking_in_Latin_America \"Maritime drug trafficking in Latin America\") [Piracy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Piracy \"Piracy\") [Pollution](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marine_pollution \"Marine pollution\") [Smuggling](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Smuggling \"Smuggling\") [Wartime prizes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prize_\\(law\\) \"Prize (law)\") |\n| [Contract of carriage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Contract_of_carriage \"Contract of carriage\") \/ [charterparty](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Charterparty \"Charterparty\") |\n| [Affreightment](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Affreightment \"Affreightment\") [Agency](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Law_of_agency \"Law of agency\") [Barratry](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Barratry_\\(admiralty_law\\) \"Barratry (admiralty law)\") [Bill of lading](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bill_of_lading \"Bill of lading\") [Brokerage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipbroking \"Shipbroking\") [Chartering](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chartering_\\(shipping\\) \"Chartering (shipping)\") [Consignment](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Consignment \"Consignment\") [Demurrage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Demurrage \"Demurrage\") [Force majeure](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Force_majeure \"Force majeure\") [Invoice](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Invoice \"Invoice\") [Commercial](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Commercial_invoice \"Commercial invoice\") *[Pro forma](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pro_forma \"Pro forma\")* [Laytime](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Laytime \"Laytime\") [Lien](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lien \"Lien\") [Maritime](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maritime_lien \"Maritime lien\") [Manifest](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Manifest_\\(transportation\\) \"Manifest (transportation)\") [Packing list](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Receipt \"Receipt\") [Proof of delivery](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Proof_of_delivery \"Proof of delivery\") [Salvage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marine_salvage \"Marine salvage\") [Law](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Law_of_salvage \"Law of salvage\") [Terms](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Contractual_term \"Contractual term\") [International](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Incoterms \"Incoterms\") [Waybill](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Waybill \"Waybill\") |\n| Parties |\n| [Agent](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipping_agency \"Shipping agency\") [Factor](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Factor_\\(agent\\) \"Factor (agent)\") [Freight forwarder](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Freight_forwarder \"Freight forwarder\") [Captain (Master)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sea_captain \"Sea captain\") [The captain goes down with the ship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_captain_goes_down_with_the_ship \"The captain goes down with the ship\") [Carrier](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Common_carrier \"Common carrier\") [Charterer](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chartering_\\(shipping\\) \"Chartering (shipping)\") [Freight company](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Freight_company \"Freight company\") [Manager](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ship_management \"Ship management\") [Consignee](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Consignee \"Consignee\") [Consignor](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Consignor \"Consignor\") [Principal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Principal_\\(commercial_law\\) \"Principal (commercial law)\") [Owner](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ship-owner \"Ship-owner\") [Seaman](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Seaman_status_in_United_States_admiralty_law \"Seaman status in United States admiralty law\") [Mutiny](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mutiny \"Mutiny\") [Stevedore](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Stevedore \"Stevedore\") |\n| Judiciaries |\n| [Admiralty court](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Admiralty_court \"Admiralty court\") [Vice admiralty court](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vice_admiralty_court \"Vice admiralty court\") |\n| International organizations |\n| [International Maritime Organization](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Maritime_Organization \"International Maritime Organization\") [Comité Maritime International](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Comit%C3%A9_Maritime_International \"Comité Maritime International\") [London Maritime Arbitrators Association](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/London_Maritime_Arbitrators_Association \"London Maritime Arbitrators Association\") [International Association of Classification Societies](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Association_of_Classification_Societies \"International Association of Classification Societies\") ([Lloyd's Register](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lloyd%27s_Register \"Lloyd's Register\")) |\n| International conventions |\n| [Hague–Visby Rules](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hague%E2%80%93Visby_Rules \"Hague–Visby Rules\") [Hamburg Rules](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hamburg_Rules \"Hamburg Rules\") [Rotterdam Rules](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rotterdam_Rules \"Rotterdam Rules\") [Maritime Labour Convention](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maritime_Labour_Convention \"Maritime Labour Convention\") [International Convention on Salvage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Convention_on_Salvage \"International Convention on Salvage\") [United Nations Convention on   the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_Nations_Convention_on_the_Law_of_the_Sea \"United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea\") [International piracy law](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_piracy_law \"International piracy law\") [SOLAS Convention](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SOLAS_Convention \"SOLAS Convention\") [MARPOL Convention](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/MARPOL_73\/78 \"MARPOL 73\/78\") [Ballast Water Management Convention](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ballast_Water_Management_Convention \"Ballast Water Management Convention\") [Anti-fouling Convention](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Convention_on_the_Control_of_Harmful_Anti-fouling_Systems_on_Ships \"International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships\") [International Convention on Load Lines](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Convention_on_Load_Lines \"International Convention on Load Lines\") [International Regulations for  Preventing Collisions at Sea](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Regulations_for_Preventing_Collisions_at_Sea \"International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea\") [SAR Convention](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Convention_on_Maritime_Search_and_Rescue \"International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue\") [Athens Convention](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Athens_Convention \"Athens Convention\") [Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Convention_on_Facilitation_of_International_Maritime_Traffic \"Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic\") |\n| International Codes |\n| [IMDG Code](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Maritime_Dangerous_Goods_Code \"International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code\") [ISM Code](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Safety_Management_Code \"International Safety Management Code\") [ISPS Code](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Ship_and_Port_Facility_Security_Code \"International Ship and Port Facility Security Code\") [Polar Code](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Code_for_Ships_Operating_in_Polar_Waters \"International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters\") [IGC Code](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Code_of_the_Construction_and_Equipment_of_Ships_Carrying_Liquefied_Gases_in_Bulk \"International Code of the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk\") [IBC Code](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Code_for_the_Construction_and_Equipment_of_Ships_carrying_Dangerous_Chemicals_in_Bulk \"International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk\") [TDC Code](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Code_of_Safe_Practice_for_Ships_Carrying_Timber_Deck_Cargoes \"Code of Safe Practice for Ships Carrying Timber Deck Cargoes\") [IS Code](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Code_on_Intact_Stability \"International Code on Intact Stability\") [International Grain Code](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Code_for_the_Safe_Carriage_of_Grain_in_Bulk \"International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk\") [IMSBC Code](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Maritime_Solid_Bulk_Cargoes_Code \"International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code\") [INF Code](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Code_for_the_Safe_Carriage_of_Packaged_Irradiated_Nuclear_Fuel,_Plutonium_and_High-Level_Radioactive_Wastes_on_board_Ships \"International Code for the Safe Carriage of Packaged Irradiated Nuclear Fuel, Plutonium and High-Level Radioactive Wastes on board Ships\") |\n| [v](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Admiralty_law \"Template:Admiralty law\") [t](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template_talk:Admiralty_law \"Template talk:Admiralty law\") [e](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:EditPage\/Template:Admiralty_law \"Special:EditPage\/Template:Admiralty law\") |\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/b\/b5\/Miinitraaleri_%22Virsaitis%22_vrakk.jpg\/250px-Miinitraaleri_%22Virsaitis%22_vrakk.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Miinitraaleri_%22Virsaitis%22_vrakk.jpg)\n\nA [sonar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sonar \"Sonar\") image of the shipwreck of the [Soviet Navy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Soviet_Navy \"Soviet Navy\") ship *[Virsaitis](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SMS_M68 \"SMS M68\")* in [Estonian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Estonia \"Estonia\") waters\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/6\/67\/Johan_Christian_Dahl_-_Shipwreck_on_the_Coast_of_Norway_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg\/250px-Johan_Christian_Dahl_-_Shipwreck_on_the_Coast_of_Norway_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Johan_Christian_Dahl_-_Shipwreck_on_the_Coast_of_Norway_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg)\n\n[Johan Christian Dahl](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Johan_Christian_Dahl \"Johan Christian Dahl\"): *[Shipwreck on the Norwegian Coast](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck_on_the_Norwegian_Coast \"Shipwreck on the Norwegian Coast\")*, 1832\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/9\/9c\/Titanic_wreck_bow.jpg\/500px-Titanic_wreck_bow.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Titanic_wreck_bow.jpg)\n\n[Bow](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bow_\\(watercraft\\) \"Bow (watercraft)\") of [RMS *Titanic*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Titanic \"Titanic\"), first [discovered](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wreck_of_the_Titanic \"Wreck of the Titanic\") in 1985\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/80\/Collision_of_Costa_Concordia_24.jpg\/500px-Collision_of_Costa_Concordia_24.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Collision_of_Costa_Concordia_24.jpg)\n\nWreck of *[Costa Concordia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Costa_Concordia \"Costa Concordia\")*\n\nA **shipwreck** is the wreckage of a [ship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ship \"Ship\") that is either beached on land or sunken to the bottom of a body of water. It results from the event of *[shipwrecking](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwrecking \"Shipwrecking\")*, which may be intentional or unintentional. There were approximately three million shipwrecks worldwide as of January 1999, according to Angela Croome, a science writer and author who specialized in the history of underwater archaeology [\\[1\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-1) (an estimate rapidly endorsed by [UNESCO](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UNESCO \"UNESCO\")[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-2)[\\[3\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-3) and other organizations[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-4)). When a ship's crew has died or abandoned the ship, and the ship has remained adrift but unsunk, they are instead referred to as [*ghost ships*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_ship \"Ghost ship\").\n\n## Types\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=1 \"Edit section: Types\")\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/4\/47\/Sparrow_Hawk_ship.jpg\/250px-Sparrow_Hawk_ship.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Sparrow_Hawk_ship.jpg)\n\nThe 1626 *Sparrow-Hawk* wreck is displayed at the [Pilgrim Hall Museum](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pilgrim_Hall_Museum \"Pilgrim Hall Museum\") in [Plymouth](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Plymouth,_Massachusetts \"Plymouth, Massachusetts\"), [Massachusetts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Massachusetts \"Massachusetts\")\n\n### Historic wrecks\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=2 \"Edit section: Historic wrecks\")\\]\n\nHistoric wrecks are attractive to [maritime archaeologists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maritime_archaeology \"Maritime archaeology\") because they preserve historical information: for example, studying the wreck of [*Mary Rose*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mary_Rose \"Mary Rose\") revealed information about seafaring, warfare, and life in the 16th century. Military wrecks, caused by a skirmish at sea, are studied to find details about the historic event; they reveal much about the battle that occurred. Discoveries of [treasure ships](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Spanish_treasure_fleet \"Spanish treasure fleet\"), often from the period of European [colonisation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Colonisation \"Colonisation\"), which sank in remote locations leaving few living witnesses, such as [*Batavia*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Batavia_\\(1628_ship\\) \"Batavia (1628 ship)\"), do occur as well.\n\n### Environmental hazards\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=3 \"Edit section: Environmental hazards\")\\]\n\nSome contemporary wrecks, such as the [oil tanker](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tanker_\\(ship\\) \"Tanker (ship)\") [*Prestige*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prestige_oil_spill \"Prestige oil spill\") or [*Erika*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/MV_Erika \"MV Erika\"), are of interest primarily because of their potential harm to the environment.\n\n### Hazards to navigation\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=4 \"Edit section: Hazards to navigation\")\\]\n\n### Artificial reefs and dive sites\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=5 \"Edit section: Artificial reefs and dive sites\")\\]\n\nOther contemporary wrecks are scuttled in order to spur reef growth, such as [*Adolphus Busch*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/MV_Adolphus_Busch \"MV Adolphus Busch\") and *Ocean Freeze*. Many contemporary and historic wrecks, such as [*Thistlegorm*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SS_Thistlegorm \"SS Thistlegorm\"), are of interest to [recreational divers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Recreational_diving \"Recreational diving\") that dive to shipwrecks because they are interesting to explore, provide large habitats for many types of marine life, and have an interesting history.\n\n### Well known incidents and disasters\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=6 \"Edit section: Well known incidents and disasters\")\\]\n\nWell-known shipwrecks include the catastrophic *[Titanic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Titanic \"Titanic\")*, [MV Doña Paz](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/MV_Do%C3%B1a_Paz \"MV Doña Paz\"), [*Britannic*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/HMHS_Britannic \"HMHS Britannic\"), [*Lusitania*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/RMS_Lusitania \"RMS Lusitania\"), [*Estonia*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/MS_Estonia \"MS Estonia\"), [*Empress of Ireland*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/RMS_Empress_of_Ireland \"RMS Empress of Ireland\"), [*Andrea Doria*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SS_Andrea_Doria \"SS Andrea Doria\"), [*Endurance*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Endurance_\\(1912_ship\\) \"Endurance (1912 ship)\"), [*Costa Concordia*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Costa_Concordia \"Costa Concordia\"), *[HMS Pandora](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/HMS_Pandora_\\(1779\\) \"HMS Pandora (1779)\")* and [*SS Waratah*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SS_Waratah \"SS Waratah\").\n\n### Abandoned or scuttled derelicts\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=7 \"Edit section: Abandoned or scuttled derelicts\")\\]\n\nThere are also thousands of wrecks that were not lost at sea but have been abandoned or sunk. These abandoned, or derelict ships are typically smaller craft, such as fishing vessels. They may pose a hazard to navigation[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-5) and may be removed by [port authorities](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Port_authority \"Port authority\").[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-ScurvyDeath2007-6)\n\n## Causes\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=8 \"Edit section: Causes\")\\]\n\nMain article: [Shipwrecking](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwrecking \"Shipwrecking\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Vista_Sur.jpg\/250px-Vista_Sur.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Vista_Sur.jpg)\n\n[*County of Peebles*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/County_of_Peebles_\\(ship\\) \"County of Peebles (ship)\"), used as breakwater in [Punta Arenas](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Punta_Arenas \"Punta Arenas\") at the [Strait of Magellan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Strait_of_Magellan \"Strait of Magellan\")\n\nPoor design, improperly stowed [cargo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cargo \"Cargo\"), navigation and other human errors leading to collisions (with another ship, the shoreline, an iceberg, etc.), inadequate maintenance, bad weather, [fire](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fire \"Fire\"), and other causes can lead to accidental sinking. Intentional reasons for sinking a ship include: intending to form an [artificial reef](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Artificial_reef \"Artificial reef\"); destruction due to [warfare](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/War \"War\"), [piracy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Piracy \"Piracy\"), [mutiny](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mutiny \"Mutiny\") or [sabotage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sabotage \"Sabotage\"); using the vessel for [target practice](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Target_practice \"Target practice\"); or removing a [hazard to navigation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hazard_to_navigation \"Hazard to navigation\"). A scuttled ship can be also used as [breakwater structure](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Breakwater_\\(structure\\) \"Breakwater (structure)\") or to deny or restrict access to an area to other shipping.\n\n## Distribution\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=9 \"Edit section: Distribution\")\\]\n\nMain article: [Lists of shipwrecks](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lists_of_shipwrecks \"Lists of shipwrecks\")\n\nShipwrecks are widely distributed, but are concentrated where there is more shipping and more [navigational hazards](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Navigational_hazard \"Navigational hazard\"). Some shipwrecks have been recorded and the circumstances of loss may be known. other ships have [disappeared without trace](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_missing_ships \"List of missing ships\") and are assumed to have been wrecked.\n\n## State of preservation\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=10 \"Edit section: State of preservation\")\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/b\/bc\/The_Wasa_from_the_stern.jpg\/250px-The_Wasa_from_the_stern.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:The_Wasa_from_the_stern.jpg)\n\n[*Vasa*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vasa_\\(ship\\) \"Vasa (ship)\") is one of the oldest and best-preserved ships salvaged in the world, owing to the cool temperatures and low salinity of the [Baltic Sea](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Baltic_Sea \"Baltic Sea\")\n\nMany factors determine the state of preservation of a wreck:\n\n- the ship's construction materials\n- the wreck becoming covered in sand or silt\n- the [salinity](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Salinity \"Salinity\") of the water the wreck is in\n- the level of destruction involved in the ship's loss\n- whether the components or [cargo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cargo \"Cargo\") of the wreck were [salvaged](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marine_salvage \"Marine salvage\")\n- whether the wreck was demolished to clear a navigable channel\n- the depth of water at the wreck site\n- the strength of [tidal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tide \"Tide\") currents or [wave action](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wave_action \"Wave action\") at the wreck site\n- the exposure to surface weather conditions at the wreck site\n- the presence of [marine life](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marine_life \"Marine life\") that consume the ship's fabric\n- temperature\n- the acidity (or [pH](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/PH \"PH\")), and other chemical characteristics of the water at the site\n\nThe above - especially the stratification (silt\/sand sediments piled up on the shipwrecks) and the damages caused by marine creatures - is better described as \"stratification and contamination\" of shipwrecks. The stratification not only creates another challenge for marine archaeology, but also a challenge to determine its primary state, i.e. the state that it was in when it sank.\n\nStratification includes several different types of sand and silt, as well as tumulus and encrustations. These \"sediments\" are tightly linked to the type of currents, depth, and the type of water (salinity, pH, etc.), which implies any chemical reactions that would affect potential cargo (such as wine, olive oil, spices, etc.).\n\nBesides this geological phenomenon, wrecks also face the damage of marine creatures that create a home out of them, primarily octopuses and crustaceans. These creatures affect the primary state because they move, or break, any parts of the shipwreck that are in their way, thereby affecting the original condition of [amphorae](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Amphorae \"Amphorae\"), for example, or any other hollow places. Finally, in addition to the slight or severe destruction marine animals can create, there are also \"external\" contaminants, such as the artifacts on and around the wreck at [Pickles Reef](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pickles_Reef \"Pickles Reef\") and the over-lapping wrecks at the [Molasses Reef Wreck](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Molasses_Reef_Wreck \"Molasses Reef Wreck\"), or contemporary pollution in bodies of water, that severely affect shipwrecks by changing the chemical structures, or further damaging what is left of a specific ship.\n\nDespite these challenges, if the information retrieved does not appear to be sufficient,\\[*[further explanation needed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Please_clarify \"Wikipedia:Please clarify\")*\\] or a poor preservation is achieved, authors like J.A. Parker claim that it is the historical value of the shipwreck\\[*[further explanation needed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Please_clarify \"Wikipedia:Please clarify\")*\\] that counts as well as any slight piece of information or evidence that is acquired.[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-7)\n\n### Construction materials\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=11 \"Edit section: Construction materials\")\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/4\/4a\/The_Wreck%2C_by_Knud-Andreassen_Baade_c.1835.JPG\/330px-The_Wreck%2C_by_Knud-Andreassen_Baade_c.1835.JPG)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:The_Wreck,_by_Knud-Andreassen_Baade_c.1835.JPG)\n\nThe Wreck, by Knud-Andreassen Baade\n\nc.\n\n1835\n\nExposed [wooden](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wood \"Wood\") components decay quickly.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Citation_needed \"Wikipedia:Citation needed\")*\\] Often the only wooden parts of ships that remain after a century are those that were buried in [silt](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Silt \"Silt\") or [sand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sand \"Sand\") soon after the sinking. An example of this is *Mary Rose*.\n\n[Steel](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Steel \"Steel\") and [iron](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Iron \"Iron\"), depending on their thickness, may retain the ship's structure for decades. As [corrosion](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Corrosion \"Corrosion\") takes place, sometimes accelerated by tides and weather, the structure collapses. Thicker ferrous objects such as [cannons](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cannon \"Cannon\"), [boilers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Boiler \"Boiler\") or the [pressure vessel](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pressure_vessel \"Pressure vessel\") of a [submarine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Submarine \"Submarine\") generall survive longer underwater in spite of corrosion.\n\n[Propellers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Propeller \"Propeller\"), [condensers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Condenser_\\(heat_transfer\\) \"Condenser (heat transfer)\"), [hinges](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hinge \"Hinge\") and portholes were often made from non-ferrous metals such as [brass](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Brass \"Brass\") and [bronze](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bronze \"Bronze\"), which do not corrode easily.\n\n### Salinity of water\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=12 \"Edit section: Salinity of water\")\\]\n\n#### Fresh and low salinity water\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=13 \"Edit section: Fresh and low salinity water\")\\]\n\nShipwrecks in some [freshwater](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Freshwater \"Freshwater\") lakes, such as the [Great Lakes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Great_Lakes \"Great Lakes\") of North America, have remained intact with little degradation. In some sea areas, most notably in [Gulf of Bothnia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gulf_of_Bothnia \"Gulf of Bothnia\") and [Gulf of Finland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gulf_of_Finland \"Gulf of Finland\"), salinity is very low, and centuries-old wrecks have been preserved in reasonable condition. However, [bacteria](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bacteria \"Bacteria\") found in fresh water can cause the wood of wrecked ships to rot more quickly than in seawater unless it is deprived of oxygen.[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-8) Two shipwrecks, [USS *Hamilton*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/USS_Hamilton_\\(1809\\) \"USS Hamilton (1809)\") and [USS *Scourge*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/USS_Scourge_\\(1812\\) \"USS Scourge (1812)\"), have been at the bottom of [Lake Ontario](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lake_Ontario \"Lake Ontario\") since they sunk during a violent storm on August 8, 1813, during the [War of 1812](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/War_of_1812 \"War of 1812\"). They are in \"remarkably good\" condition.[\\[9\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-9)\n\n#### Seawater\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=14 \"Edit section: Seawater\")\\]\n\nWrecks typically decay rapidly when in [seawater](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Seawater \"Seawater\"). There are several reasons for this:\n\n- [Iron](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Iron \"Iron\")\\-based metals [corrode](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Corrosion \"Corrosion\") much more quickly in seawater because of the dissolved [salt](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Salt \"Salt\") present; the sodium and chloride [ions](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ion \"Ion\") chemically accelerate the process of metal oxidation which, in the case of ferrous metals, leads to [rust](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rust \"Rust\"). Such cases are prominent on deep-water shipwrecks, such as [RMS *Titanic*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/RMS_Titanic \"RMS Titanic\") (sank 1912), [RMS *Lusitania*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/RMS_Lusitania \"RMS Lusitania\") (sank 1915), and [German battleship *Bismarck*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/German_battleship_Bismarck \"German battleship Bismarck\") (sank 1941). However, there are some exceptions; *[RMS Empress of Ireland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/RMS_Empress_of_Ireland \"RMS Empress of Ireland\")* (sank 1914) lies in the saltwater portion of the [St. Lawrence River](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/St._Lawrence_River \"St. Lawrence River\"), but is still in remarkably good condition.[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-10)\n- Unprotected wood in seawater is rapidly consumed by [shipworms](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipworm \"Shipworm\") and small wood-boring sea creatures. Shipworms found in higher salinity waters, such as the [Caribbean](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Caribbean \"Caribbean\"), are notorious for boring into wooden structures that are immersed in sea water and can completely destroy the hull of a wooden shipwreck.[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-11)\n\n### Loss, salvage, and demolition\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=15 \"Edit section: Loss, salvage, and demolition\")\\]\n\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| [![icon](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/9\/99\/Question_book-new.svg\/60px-Question_book-new.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Question_book-new.svg) | This section **does not [cite](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Citing_sources \"Wikipedia:Citing sources\") any [sources](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Verifiability \"Wikipedia:Verifiability\")**. Please help [improve this section](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:EditPage\/Shipwreck \"Special:EditPage\/Shipwreck\") by [adding citations to reliable sources](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Referencing_for_beginners \"Help:Referencing for beginners\"). Unsourced material may be challenged and [removed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Burden_of_evidence \"Wikipedia:Verifiability\"). *(May 2013)* *([Learn how and when to remove this message](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Maintenance_template_removal \"Help:Maintenance template removal\"))* |\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3c\/SS_Austria_shipwreck.jpg\/250px-SS_Austria_shipwreck.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:SS_Austria_shipwreck.jpg)\n\nThe shipwreck of [SS *Austria*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SS_Austria \"SS Austria\") on 13 September 1858\n\nAn important factor in the condition of the wreck is the level of destruction at the time of the loss or shortly afterwards due to the nature of the loss, salvage or later demolition.\n\nExamples of severe destruction at the time of loss are:\n\n- Being blown onto a beach, reef, or rocks during a storm, termed \"grounding\" (e.g., [*Royal Adelaide*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Royal_Adelaide_\\(1865_ship\\) \"Royal Adelaide (1865 ship)\"))\n- Collision with another ship (e.g., [*Andrea Doria*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SS_Andrea_Doria \"SS Andrea Doria\"))\n- Catastrophic explosion (e.g., [HMS *Hood*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/HMS_Hood \"HMS Hood\")), steamship boilers often explode when water covers them during the process of sinking\n- Fire that burns for a long time before the ship sinks (e.g., [*Achille Lauro*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/MS_Achille_Lauro \"MS Achille Lauro\"))\n- Foundering, i.e., taking in so much water that buoyancy is lost and the ship sinks (e.g., RMS *Titanic* and HMHS *Britannic*); some ships with a dense cargo (e.g., iron ore) may break up when sinking quickly and hitting a rocky seabed\n- Enemy action from [aerial bombs](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Aerial_bomb \"Aerial bomb\") or [torpedoes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Torpedo \"Torpedo\") that may cause destruction before sinking (e.g., the [Italian battleship *Roma*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Italian_battleship_Roma_\\(1940\\) \"Italian battleship Roma (1940)\") and [HMS *Barham*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/HMS_Barham_\\(04\\) \"HMS Barham (04)\"))\n\nAfter the loss, the vessel's owners may attempt to [salvage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marine_salvage \"Marine salvage\") valuable parts of the ship and its cargo. This operation can cause further damage.\n\nShipwrecks in shallow water near busy shipping lanes are often demolished or removed to reduce the danger to other vessels. On charts, some wreck symbols have a line under the symbol with a depth mark, which indicates the water depth above the wreck.\n\n### Depth, tide and weather\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=16 \"Edit section: Depth, tide and weather\")\\]\n\nOn the seabed, wrecks are slowly broken up by the forces of [wave action](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wave_action \"Wave action\") caused by the weather and currents caused by [tides](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tide \"Tide\"). More highly oxygenated water promotes [corrosion](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Corrosion \"Corrosion\"), which reduces the strength of ferrous structural materials of the ship. Deeper wrecks may be protected by less exposure to water movement and by lower levels of oxygen in water.\n\n### Temperature\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=17 \"Edit section: Temperature\")\\]\n\nExtreme cold (such as in a [glacial-fed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Glacier \"Glacier\") lake, [Arctic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Arctic \"Arctic\") waters, the [Great Lakes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Great_Lakes \"Great Lakes\"), etc.) slows the degradation of ship materials. Decay, corrosion and marine encrustation are inhibited in cold waters.[\\[12\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-12)\n\n## Marine pollution\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=18 \"Edit section: Marine pollution\")\\]\n\nMany modern shipwrecks contribute to [marine pollution](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marine_pollution \"Marine pollution\"), mainly as sources of significant [oil spills](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Oil_spill \"Oil spill\").[\\[13\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Smithsonian_Ocean-13) A 2005 survey of shipwrecks since 1890 found that over 8,500 of the submerged wrecks may still contain oil.[\\[14\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-14) Oil spills can have devastating effects on marine and coastal environments as well as fisheries. In addition to being toxic to marine life, [polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Polycyclic_aromatic_hydrocarbon \"Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon\") (PAHs), found in [crude oil](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Crude_oil \"Crude oil\"), are very difficult to clean up, and last for years in the [sediment](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sediment \"Sediment\") and marine environment.[\\[15\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Panetta-15)[\\[16\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-VanLanduyt2022-16)\n\nShipwreck pollution may also originate with a ship's cargo or munitions,[\\[13\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Smithsonian_Ocean-13) such as [unexploded ordnance](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Unexploded_ordnance \"Unexploded ordnance\") or [chemical weapons](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chemical_weapon \"Chemical weapon\") canisters.[\\[17\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-17) German trawler [V 1302 *John Mahn*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/German_trawler_V_1302_John_Mahn \"German trawler V 1302 John Mahn\"), sunk in the [North Sea](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/North_Sea \"North Sea\") in 1942,[\\[18\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Sven_2020-18)[\\[19\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Termote_2009-19) has multiple unexploded [depth charges](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Depth_charges \"Depth charges\") on board which render the wreck hazardous.[\\[18\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Sven_2020-18) Samples taken from the wreck and nearby sediment show the presence of [heavy metals](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Heavy_metals \"Heavy metals\") like nickel and copper, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, [arsenic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Arsenic \"Arsenic\") and explosive compounds, which have changed the local microbial ecology.[\\[16\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-VanLanduyt2022-16)\n\n## Natural deterioration process\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=19 \"Edit section: Natural deterioration process\")\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/11\/Quartette_03_noaa_casserley.jpg\/250px-Quartette_03_noaa_casserley.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Quartette_03_noaa_casserley.jpg)\n\nPropeller amongst corals\n\nIron and steel wrecks are subject to corrosion, which is most rapid in shallow sea water where the salinity induces galvanic corrosion, oxygen content is high and water movement replenishes the oxygen rapidly. In deeper water and in still water the corrosion rates can be greatly reduced. Corrosion rates of iron and steel are also reduced when concretions, solid layers of rust, or layers of marine organisms separate the metal from the ambient water, and encourage the development of a layer of relatively stable black oxide in the hypoxic layers.[\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20)\n\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| [![\\[icon\\]](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg\/20px-Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg) | This section **needs expansion** with: [\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20). You can help by [adding missing information](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=). *(March 2020)* |\n\n## Value\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=20 \"Edit section: Value\")\\]\n\nA shipwreck may have value in several forms:[\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20)\n\n- Cultural heritage,[\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20)\n- Recreational diving and other tourism attraction[\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20)\n- Scientific, educational and monetary values [\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20)\n  - Artificial reefs[\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20)\n  - Monetary value of salvageable cargo and components[\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20)\n\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| [![\\[icon\\]](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg\/20px-Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg) | This section **needs expansion** with: [\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20). You can help by [adding missing information](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=). *(March 2020)* |\n\n## Salvage\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=21 \"Edit section: Salvage\")\\]\n\nMain article: [Marine salvage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marine_salvage \"Marine salvage\")\n\nOften, attempts are made to salvage shipwrecks, particularly those recently wrecked, to recover the whole or part of the ship, its cargo, or its equipment. An example was the salvage of the [scuttled German High Seas Fleet at Scapa Flow](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Scuttling_of_the_German_fleet_at_Scapa_Flow \"Scuttling of the German fleet at Scapa Flow\") in the 1920s and 1930s. The unauthorized salvage of wrecks is called [wrecking](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wrecking_\\(shipwreck\\) \"Wrecking (shipwreck)\").\n\n### Legal aspects\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=22 \"Edit section: Legal aspects\")\\]\n\nMain article: [Law of salvage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Law_of_salvage \"Law of salvage\")\n\nShipwreck law determines important legal questions regarding wrecks, perhaps the most important question being the question of ownership. Legally wrecks are divided into *wreccum maris* (material washed ashore after a shipwreck) and *adventurae maris* (material still at sea),[\\[21\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-21) which are treated differently by some, but not all, legal systems.\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Nanking_Cargo_kijkdag_%281986%29.jpg\/250px-Nanking_Cargo_kijkdag_%281986%29.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Nanking_Cargo_kijkdag_\\(1986\\).jpg)\n\nViewing at [Christie's](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Christie%27s \"Christie's\") auction in Amsterdam for the cargo of the [Dutch East India Company](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dutch_East_India_Company \"Dutch East India Company\") (VOC) ship *Geldermalsen* (1747)\n\nWrecks are often considered separately from their cargo. For example, in the British case of *[Lusitania](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/RMS_Lusitania#1984_British_legal_action \"RMS Lusitania\")* \\[1986\\] QB 384 it was accepted that the remains of the vessel itself were owned by the insurance underwriters who had paid out on the vessel as a total loss by virtue of the law of [subrogation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Subrogation \"Subrogation\") (who subsequently sold their rights), but that the property aboard the wreck still belonged to its original owners or their heirs.\n\nMilitary wrecks, however, remain under the jurisdiction – and hence protection – of the government that lost the ship, or that government's successor. Hence, a German [U-boat](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/U-boat \"U-boat\") from World War II still technically belongs to the German government, although [Nazi Germany](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nazi_Germany \"Nazi Germany\") (the government at the time) is long-defunct. Many military wrecks are also protected by virtue of being [war graves](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/War_grave \"War grave\").\n\nHowever, many legal systems allow the rights of salvors to override the rights of the original owners of a wreck or its cargo. As a general rule, non-historic civilian shipwrecks are considered fair game for salvage. Under international [maritime law](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maritime_law \"Maritime law\"), for shipwrecks of a certain age, the original owner may have lost all claim to the cargo. Anyone who finds the wreck can then file a salvage claim on it and place a lien on the vessel, and subsequently mount a salvage operation (see [Finders, keepers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Finders,_keepers \"Finders, keepers\")).[\\[22\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-22) The State of North Carolina questionably claims \"all photographs, video recordings, or other documentary materials of a derelict vessel or shipwreck or its contents, relics, artifacts, or historic materials in the custody of any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions\" to be its property.[\\[23\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-23)\n\nSome countries assert claims to all wrecks within their territorial waters, irrespective of the interest of the original owner or the salvor.[\\[24\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-24)\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/85\/Napolibeached.jpg\/250px-Napolibeached.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Napolibeached.jpg)\n\n[*MSC Napoli*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/MSC_Napoli \"MSC Napoli\") beached off Branscombe\n\nSome legal systems regard a wreck and its cargo to be abandoned if no attempt is made to salvage them within a certain period of time. English law has usually resisted this notion (encouraged by an extremely large maritime insurance industry, which asserts claims in respect of shipwrecks which it has paid claims on), but it has been accepted to a greater or lesser degree in an Australian case[\\[25\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-25) and in a Norwegian case.[\\[26\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-26)\n\nThe American courts have been inconsistent between states and at federal level.[\\[27\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-27) Under Danish law, all shipwrecks over 150 years old belong to the state if no owner can be found.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Citation_needed \"Wikipedia:Citation needed\")*\\] In Spain, wrecks vest in the state if not salvaged within 3 years.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Citation_needed \"Wikipedia:Citation needed\")*\\] In Finland, all property on board shipwrecks over 100 years old vests in the state.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Citation_needed \"Wikipedia:Citation needed\")*\\]\n\nThe British [Protection of Wrecks Act](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Protection_of_Wrecks_Act_1973 \"Protection of Wrecks Act 1973\"), enacted to protect historic wrecks, controls access to wrecks such as [Cattewater Wreck](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cattewater_Wreck \"Cattewater Wreck\") which can only be visited or investigated under licence. The British [Protection of Military Remains Act 1986](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Protection_of_Military_Remains_Act_1986 \"Protection of Military Remains Act 1986\") also restricts access to wrecks which are sensitive as [war graves](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/War_grave \"War grave\"). The Protection of Military Remains Act in some cases creates a blanket ban on all diving; for other wrecks divers may visit provided they do not touch, interfere with or penetrate the wreck. In the United States, shipwrecks in state waters are regulated by the [Abandoned Shipwrecks Act](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Abandoned_Shipwrecks_Act \"Abandoned Shipwrecks Act\") of 1987. This act is much more lenient in allowing more open access to the shipwrecks.\n\nFollowing the beaching of [*MSC Napoli*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/MSC_Napoli \"MSC Napoli\"), as a result of severe damage incurred during European storm [Kyrill](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kyrill_\\(storm\\) \"Kyrill (storm)\"), there was confusion in the press and by the authorities about whether people could be prevented from helping themselves to the [flotsam](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Flotsam \"Flotsam\") which was washed up on the beaches at [Branscombe](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Branscombe \"Branscombe\"). Many people took advantage of the confusion and helped themselves to the cargo. This included many [BMW](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/BMW \"BMW\") motorbikes and empty wine casks as well as bags of disposable nappies ([diapers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Diapers \"Diapers\")).[\\[28\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-28) The legal position under the [Merchant Shipping Act 1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Merchant_Shipping_Act_1995 \"Merchant Shipping Act 1995\") is that any such finds and recovery must be reported within 28 days to the [Receiver of Wreck](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Receiver_of_Wreck \"Receiver of Wreck\").[\\[29\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-29) Failure to do so is an offence under the Merchant Shipping Act and can result in a criminal record for [theft by finding](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Theft_by_finding \"Theft by finding\").[\\[30\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-30) After several days, the police and Receiver of Wreck, in conjunction with the landowner and the contracted [salvors](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marine_salvage \"Marine salvage\"), established a cordon to prevent access to the beach.[\\[31\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-31) A similar situation occurred after the wreck of [*Cita*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/MV_Cita \"MV Cita\") in 1997.\n\nHistoric wrecks (often but not always defined as being more than 50 years of age) are often protected from pillaging and looting through national laws protecting cultural heritage.[\\[32\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-32) Internationally they may be protected by a State ratifying the [Unesco Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Underwater_cultural_heritage \"Underwater cultural heritage\"). In this case pillaging is not allowed. One such example is [*Queen Anne's Revenge*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Queen_Anne%27s_Revenge \"Queen Anne's Revenge\")[\\[33\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-33) which is undergoing archaeological recovery by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources near Beaufort Inlet, NC.\n\nAn important international convention aiming at the protection of underwater cultural heritage (including shipwrecks) is the **Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.**[\\[34\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-34) The 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage represents the international community's response to the increasing looting and destruction of underwater cultural heritage. It forms part of a group of UNESCO standard setting instruments regarding the domain of cultural heritage, encompassing seven conventions adopted by UNESCO Member States, which constitute a coherent and complementary body guaranteeing a complete protection of all forms of cultural heritage.\n\nThe UNESCO 2001 Convention is an international treaty aimed exclusively at the protection of underwater cultural heritage and the facilitation of international cooperation in this regard. It does not change sovereignty rights of States or regulate the ownership of wrecks or submerged ruins.[\\[35\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-35)\n\n### Notable salvages\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=23 \"Edit section: Notable salvages\")\\]\n\nIn 2011, the most valuable cargo of a sunken shipwreck was identified near the western edge of the [Celtic Sea](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Celtic_Sea \"Celtic Sea\"). This World War II era sinking of [*Gairsoppa*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SS_Gairsoppa \"SS Gairsoppa\") led to a treasure almost three miles (16,000 ft; 4,800 m) deep.[\\[36\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-36)\n\nA U.S. federal court and a panel from the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit have upheld the Spanish claim to the contents of the ship [*Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Spanish_frigate_Nuestra_Se%C3%B1ora_de_las_Mercedes \"Spanish frigate Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes\"); Spain took control of the treasure in February 2012. A very small number of coins and effects recovered from the ship were deposited in Gibraltar, because they showed clear signs coherent with an internal explosion on the ship and thus confirmed Spanish claims to the wreck being that of the *Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes*. They were not returned to Spain until 2013, when a court finally ordered Odyssey Marine to return the missing pieces.\n\nArchaeologist [Valerios Stais](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Valerios_Stais \"Valerios Stais\") discovered one of the most notable instruments of time keeping and prediction of celestial events off the coast of the Greek island Antikythera on May 17, 1902. The device, known as the [Antikythera Mechanism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Antikythera_Mechanism \"Antikythera Mechanism\"), is perhaps the earliest example of what would be known as today as an [analog computer](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Analog_computer \"Analog computer\"), and the technology it encompasses predates any other recorded description by hundreds or thousands of years.\n\n## Gallery\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=24 \"Edit section: Gallery\")\\]\n\n- [![Shipwreck on a shore near Gytheio, Greece](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Shipwreck_sis.png\/120px-Shipwreck_sis.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Shipwreck_sis.png \"Shipwreck on a shore near Gytheio, Greece\")\n  Shipwreck on a shore near [Gytheio](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gytheio \"Gytheio\"), [Greece](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Greece \"Greece\")\n- [![Wrecked fishing boats in Finnmark, North Norway](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Wrecked_fishing_boats%2C_Finnmark.jpg\/120px-Wrecked_fishing_boats%2C_Finnmark.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Wrecked_fishing_boats,_Finnmark.jpg \"Wrecked fishing boats in Finnmark, North Norway\")\n  Wrecked fishing boats in [Finnmark](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Finnmark \"Finnmark\"), North [Norway](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Norway \"Norway\")\n- [![The ferry Assalama wrecked off of Tarfaya, Morocco](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Assalama.jpg\/120px-Assalama.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Assalama.jpg \"The ferry Assalama wrecked off of Tarfaya, Morocco\")\n  The ferry *Assalama* wrecked off of [Tarfaya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tarfaya \"Tarfaya\"), [Morocco](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Morocco \"Morocco\")\n- [![Ship wreck of Maheno, Fraser Island, Australia](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/32\/ShipWreckMahenoFraserIsland.jpg\/120px-ShipWreckMahenoFraserIsland.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:ShipWreckMahenoFraserIsland.jpg \"Ship wreck of Maheno, Fraser Island, Australia\")\n  Ship wreck of [*Maheno*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SS_Maheno \"SS Maheno\"), [Fraser Island](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fraser_Island \"Fraser Island\"), Australia\n- [![Shipwreck of Frotamerica at the west coast of Namibia](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a4\/FrotamericaShipWreck.jpg\/120px-FrotamericaShipWreck.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:FrotamericaShipWreck.jpg \"Shipwreck of Frotamerica at the west coast of Namibia\")\n  Shipwreck of *Frotamerica* at the west coast of [Namibia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Namibia \"Namibia\")\n- [![A piece of Shipwreck of Portuguese stranded deep sea-takers 1975 Luanda](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/6\/6a\/A_piece_of_Shipwreck.jpg\/120px-A_piece_of_Shipwreck.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:A_piece_of_Shipwreck.jpg \"A piece of Shipwreck of Portuguese stranded deep sea-takers 1975 Luanda\")\n  A piece of Shipwreck of Portuguese stranded deep sea-takers 1975 Luanda\n- [![A Shipwreck in Luanda](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/ae\/A_Piece_of_history.jpg\/120px-A_Piece_of_history.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:A_Piece_of_history.jpg \"A Shipwreck in Luanda\")\n  A Shipwreck in Luanda\n\n## See also\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=25 \"Edit section: See also\")\\]\n\n- [Lists of shipwrecks](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lists_of_shipwrecks \"Lists of shipwrecks\")\n- [Archaeology of shipwrecks](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Archaeology_of_shipwrecks \"Archaeology of shipwrecks\") – Study of human activity through the analysis of shipwreck artifacts\n- [Abandoned Shipwrecks Act](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Abandoned_Shipwrecks_Act \"Abandoned Shipwrecks Act\") – US legislation\n- [Australasian Underwater Cultural Heritage Database](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australasian_Underwater_Cultural_Heritage_Database \"Australasian Underwater Cultural Heritage Database\") – Online database containing data about shipwrecks and other sunken cultural artefacts\n- [The captain goes down with the ship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_captain_goes_down_with_the_ship \"The captain goes down with the ship\") – Maritime tradition\n- [Conservation and restoration of shipwreck artifacts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Conservation_and_restoration_of_shipwreck_artifacts \"Conservation and restoration of shipwreck artifacts\")\n- [Flotsam, jetsam, lagan and derelict](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Flotsam,_jetsam,_lagan_and_derelict \"Flotsam, jetsam, lagan and derelict\") – Specific kinds of property lost or abandoned at sea\n- [Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Historic_Shipwrecks_Act_1976 \"Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976\") – Australian legislation (Superseded by the *[Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Underwater_Cultural_Heritage_Act_2018 \"Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018\")*)\n- [Hulk (ship type)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hulk_\\(ship_type\\) \"Hulk (ship type)\") – Ship that is afloat, but not seagoing\n- [Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nairobi_International_Convention_on_the_Removal_of_Wrecks \"Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks\") – 2007 treaty\n- [Ship graveyard](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ship_graveyard \"Ship graveyard\") – Location where scrapped ships are left\n- [Shipwrecking](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwrecking \"Shipwrecking\") – Event causing a ship to wreck\n- [Second Geneva Convention](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Second_Geneva_Convention \"Second Geneva Convention\") – 1949 treaty\n- [Sinking ships for wreck diving sites](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sinking_ships_for_wreck_diving_sites \"Sinking ships for wreck diving sites\") – Scuttling old ships to produce artificial reefs\n- [Underwater archaeology](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Underwater_archaeology \"Underwater archaeology\") – Study of human activity via evidence found underwater\n- [Wreck diving](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wreck_diving \"Wreck diving\") – Recreational diving on wrecks\n\n## References\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=26 \"Edit section: References\")\\]\n\n1. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-1)** Angela Croome (January 16, 1999). \"[Sinking fast](https:\/\/www.newscientist.com\/article\/mg16121696-000-sinking-fast\/) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20171225203002\/https:\/\/www.newscientist.com\/article\/mg16121696-000-sinking-fast\/) 2017-12-25 at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\")\", New Scientist, Volume 161, Issue 2169, pp. 49.\n2. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-2)** \"Sinking fast\", [Marine Industrial Technology, 1 and 2\/1999](https:\/\/open.unido.org\/api\/documents\/4813394\/download\/MARINE%20INDUSTRIAL%20TECHNOLOGY%201%20AND%202-1999.%20EMERGING%20TECHNOLOGY%20SERIES%20\\(22293.en\\)) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20210224123545\/https:\/\/open.unido.org\/api\/documents\/4813394\/download\/MARINE%20INDUSTRIAL%20TECHNOLOGY%201%20AND%202-1999.%20EMERGING%20TECHNOLOGY%20SERIES%20\\(22293.en\\)) 2021-02-24 at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\"), Emerging Technology Series, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, pp. 58.\n3. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-3)** Lucia Iglesias Kuntz (June 12, 2002), \"[UNESCO urges the Americas to join the underwater heritage convention](http:\/\/portal.unesco.org\/en\/ev.php-URL_ID=3304&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20171226020827\/http:\/\/portal.unesco.org\/en\/ev.php-URL_ID%3D3304%26URL_DO%3DDO_TOPIC%26URL_SECTION%3D201.html) 2017-12-26 at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\")\", UNESCO Media Services.\n4. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-4)** \"[Lisbon Resolution](https:\/\/sha.org\/publication-links\/newsletter\/newsletter-archives\/) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20171225203031\/https:\/\/sha.org\/publication-links\/newsletter\/newsletter-archives\/) 2017-12-25 at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\")\", Society for Historical Archaeology Newsletter, Summer 1999, Volume 32, Number 2, pp. 31.\n5. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-5)**\n   [\"Wrecks and Obstructions Database\"](https:\/\/www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov\/data\/wrecks-and-obstructions.html). *NOAA*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20180405024308\/https:\/\/www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov\/data\/wrecks-and-obstructions.html) from the original on 2018-04-05. Retrieved 2018-04-26.\n6. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-ScurvyDeath2007_6-0)**\n   [*Scurvy, Death and Cannibalism*](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20080306183447\/http:\/\/www.webcastr.com\/videos\/informational\/scurvy-death-and-cannibalism.html) (internet video). Shipwreck Central. 2007. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.webcastr.com\/videos\/informational\/scurvy-death-and-cannibalism.html) on 2008-03-06.\n7. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-7)**\n   Parker, A.J. (1981). \"Stratification and contamination in ancient Mediterranean shipwrecks\". *The International Journal of Nautical Archaeology and Underwater Exploration*. **10** (4): 309–335\\. [doi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Doi_\\(identifier\\) \"Doi (identifier)\"):[10\\.1111\/j.1095-9270.1981.tb00045.x](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111%2Fj.1095-9270.1981.tb00045.x).\n8. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-8)**\n   [\"Final Management Plan\"](http:\/\/thunderbay.noaa.gov\/pdfs\/management%20plan_final.pdf#page=20) (PDF). *Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary*. NOAA. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20151112194943\/http:\/\/thunderbay.noaa.gov\/pdfs\/management%20plan_final.pdf#page=20) (PDF) from the original on 12 November 2015. Retrieved 11 August 2015.\n9. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-9)**\n   [\"Hamilton's War of 1812 shipwrecks 'an archeologist's dream'\"](http:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/news\/canada\/hamilton\/hamilton-s-war-of-1812-shipwrecks-an-archeologist-s-dream-1.1284755). *cbc.ca*. CBC News. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20150924163740\/http:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/news\/canada\/hamilton\/hamilton-s-war-of-1812-shipwrecks-an-archeologist-s-dream-1.1284755) from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 11 August 2015.\n10. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-10)**\n    Dominique (2010). [\"Empress of Ireland (Canada)\"](http:\/\/www.tekdiv.com\/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=56&lang=en). *Tekdiv Exploration*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20140718180718\/http:\/\/www.tekdiv.com\/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=56&lang=en) from the original on 18 July 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2019.\n11. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-11)**\n    Gilman, Sarah (December 5, 2016). [\"How a Ship-Sinking Clam Conquered the Ocean\"](http:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/science-nature\/tunneling-clam-bedeviled-humans-sank-ships-conquered-oceans-180961288\/). *[Smithsonian Mag](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Smithsonian_Mag \"Smithsonian Mag\")*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20190709052941\/https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/science-nature\/tunneling-clam-bedeviled-humans-sank-ships-conquered-oceans-180961288\/) from the original on 9 July 2019. Retrieved 16 March 2019.\n12. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-12)**\n    Steere, Mike (12 May 1996). [\"Superior keeps its shipwrecks fresh Preservation: In the cold, almost sterile water at the bottom of the Great Lake, divers find the remains of marine disasters\"](https:\/\/www.baltimoresun.com\/1996\/05\/12\/superior-keeps-its-shipwrecks-fresh-preservation-in-the-cold-almost-sterile-water-at-the-bottom-of-the-great-lake-divers-find-the-remains-of-marine-disasters\/). *[Baltimore Sun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Baltimore_Sun \"Baltimore Sun\")*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20181116061613\/http:\/\/articles.baltimoresun.com\/1996-05-12\/features\/1996133022_1_lake-superior-great-lakes-lakes-shipping) from the original on 16 November 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2015.\n13. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Smithsonian_Ocean_13-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Smithsonian_Ocean_13-1)\n    Spalding, Mark J. (January 2013). [\"Underwater WWII Wrecks – Pollution or Cultural Heritage? \\| Smithsonian Ocean\"](https:\/\/ocean.si.edu\/conservation\/pollution\/underwater-wwii-wrecks-pollution-or-cultural-heritage). Smithsonian Institution. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20240723134206\/https:\/\/ocean.si.edu\/conservation\/pollution\/underwater-wwii-wrecks-pollution-or-cultural-heritage) from the original on 2024-07-23. Retrieved 2022-10-26.\n14. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-14)**\n    Michel, Jacqueline; Schmidt Etkin, Dagmar; Gilbert, Trevor; Urban, Robert; Waldron, Jon; Blocksidge, Charles T. (2005). [\"Potentially Polluting Wrecks in Marine Waters: An Issue Paper Prepared for the 2005 International Oil Spill Conference\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20221006045726\/http:\/\/portal.helcom.fi\/meetings\/SUBMERGED%205-2016-377\/Related%20Information\/Potentially%20Polluting%20Wrecks%20in%20Marine%20Water_Michel_etal_2005.pdf) (PDF). *Helcom*: 8, 11. Archived from [the original](https:\/\/portal.helcom.fi\/meetings\/SUBMERGED%205-2016-377\/Related%20Information\/Potentially%20Polluting%20Wrecks%20in%20Marine%20Water_Michel_etal_2005.pdf) (PDF) on 2022-10-06. Retrieved 2022-10-26.\n15. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Panetta_15-0)**\n    Panetta, L.E. (Chair) (2003). [*America's living oceans: charting a course for sea change*](https:\/\/nauticalcharts.noaa.gov\/hsrp\/admin\/nov2004\/oceans_report.pdf) (PDF). Pew Oceans Commission. p. 64. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20240317004850\/https:\/\/nauticalcharts.noaa.gov\/hsrp\/admin\/nov2004\/oceans_report.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 2024-03-17. Retrieved 2022-10-26.\n16. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-VanLanduyt2022_16-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-VanLanduyt2022_16-1)\n    Van Landuyt, Josefien; Kundu, Kankana; Van Haelst, Sven; Neyts, Marijke; Parmentier, Koen; De Rijcke, Maarten; Boon, Nico (2022-10-18). [\"80 years later: Marine sediments still influenced by an old war ship\"](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389%2Ffmars.2022.1017136). *Frontiers in Marine Science*. **9** 1017136. [doi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Doi_\\(identifier\\) \"Doi (identifier)\"):[10\\.3389\/fmars.2022.1017136](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389%2Ffmars.2022.1017136). [hdl](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hdl_\\(identifier\\) \"Hdl (identifier)\"):[1854\/LU-01GKS4PJA2JJ06GXN0FQHFMB4D](https:\/\/hdl.handle.net\/1854%2FLU-01GKS4PJA2JJ06GXN0FQHFMB4D). [ISSN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISSN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISSN (identifier)\") [2296-7745](https:\/\/search.worldcat.org\/issn\/2296-7745).\n17. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-17)**\n    Brown, Valerie J. (April 2005). [\"Warfare: Iraq's Toxic Shipwrecks\"](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1278500). *Environmental Health Perspectives*. **113** (4): A230. [doi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Doi_\\(identifier\\) \"Doi (identifier)\"):[10\\.1289\/ehp.113-a230](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1289%2Fehp.113-a230). [ISSN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISSN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISSN (identifier)\") [0091-6765](https:\/\/search.worldcat.org\/issn\/0091-6765). [PMC](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/PMC_\\(identifier\\) \"PMC (identifier)\") [1278500](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1278500). [PMID](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/PMID_\\(identifier\\) \"PMID (identifier)\") [15811816](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/15811816).\n18. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Sven_2020_18-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Sven_2020_18-1)\n    Sven, Van Haelst (2020). Mees, Jan; Seys, Jan (eds.). [\"North Sea Wrecks: A future decision support tool for blue growth activities\"](https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/342657720). *Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee – Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ)*. **84**: 83 – via ResearchGate.\n19. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Termote_2009_19-0)**\n    Termote, Tomas; Termote, Dirk (2009). *Schatten en Scheepswrakken: boeiende onderwaterarcheologie in de Noordzee* (in Dutch). Davidsfonds Leuven.\n20. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-2) [***d***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-3) [***e***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-4) [***f***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-5) [***g***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-6) [***h***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-7) [***i***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-8)\n    Edney, Joanne (November 2006). [\"Impacts of Recreational Scuba Diving on Shipwrecks in Australia and the Pacific - A Review\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20210225221039\/https:\/\/webarchive.nla.gov.au\/tep\/65664). *Micronesian Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences*. **5** (1\/2 Combined). Albury NSW, Australia: Heritage Futures International. [ISSN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISSN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISSN (identifier)\") [1449-7336](https:\/\/search.worldcat.org\/issn\/1449-7336). Archived from [the original](https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/242540533_Impacts_of_recreational_scuba_diving_on_shipwrecks_in_Australia_and_the_Pacific_A_review) on 2021-02-25. Retrieved 2020-03-16.\n21. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-21)** For example, under English law the former were dealt with under rules relating to things found on land, the latter were dealt with under Admiralty jurisdiction.\n22. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-22)**\n    White, Stephen F. (5 October 2001). [\"Treasure Salvage: Finders Keepers?\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20150917131032\/http:\/\/www.wcslaw.com\/news\/2001\/10\/05\/treasure-salvage-finders-keepers\/). *wcslaw.com*. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.wcslaw.com\/news\/2001\/10\/05\/treasure-salvage-finders-keepers\/) on 17 September 2015. Retrieved 16 March 2019.\n23. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-23)**\n    Berger, Philip E.; Moore, Tim; McCrory, Pat (18 August 2015). [\"HB 184\"](http:\/\/www.ncleg.net\/Sessions\/2015\/Bills\/House\/PDF\/H184v7.pdf) (PDF). *[General Assembly of North Carolina](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/General_Assembly_of_North_Carolina \"General Assembly of North Carolina\")*. p. 6. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20150928013307\/http:\/\/www.ncleg.net\/Sessions\/2015\/Bills\/House\/PDF\/H184v7.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 28 September 2015. Retrieved 16 March 2019.\n24. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-24)** For example, the US [Abandoned Shipwrecks Act](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Abandoned_Shipwrecks_Act \"Abandoned Shipwrecks Act\") 1987 and the Spanish Estatuto No 60\/62, 24 December 1962\n25. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-25)** *Robinson v Western Australian Museum* (1977) 51 ALJR 806 at 820-821, although significantly the court held that it had not been abandoned despite the fact the ship, the *Gilt Dragon*, was lost in 1656.\n26. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-26)** N. Rt. 346 (1970 N.D. 107), per Eckhoff J. ([Supreme Court of Norway](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Supreme_Court_of_Norway \"Supreme Court of Norway\")), \"It is possible that an owner's inactivity over a long period of time, taking into account the circumstances, can be sufficient reason for considering that the proprietary right to the wrecked vessel has been relinquished. ... \\[But\\] inactivity over a certain number of years cannot in itself be conclusive.\"\n27. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-27)** In *Treasure Salvors Inc. v Unidentified Wreck* \\[1978\\] AMC 1404, \\[1981\\] AMC 1857 relating to [the *Atocha*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Spanish_ship_Nuestra_Se%C3%B1ora_de_Atocha_\\(1620\\) \"Spanish ship Nuestra Señora de Atocha (1620)\") the courts treated the wreck and cargo as abandoned, arguing it would be an \"absurd fiction\" to regard a centuries-old shipwreck as still owned by the original owner. But in *Columbus America Discovery Groupo v Unidentified Wreck* \\[1990\\] AMC 2409, (1992) 337 LMNL 1 the courts were prepared to uphold the claims of the original insurers to the cargo subject to their providing the necessary proof, which they were unable to do.\n28. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-28)**\n    [\"Napoli 'scavenging' beach to open\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20070317035032\/http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/1\/hi\/england\/devon\/6450219.stm). *[BBC News](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/BBC_News \"BBC News\")*. [BBC](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/BBC \"BBC\"). 14 March 2007. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/1\/hi\/england\/devon\/6450219.stm) on 17 March 2007. Retrieved 19 September 2009.\n29. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-29)**\n    [\"ROW- The reporting process\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20080225222905\/http:\/\/www.mcga.gov.uk\/c4mca\/mcga-environmental\/mcga-dops_row_receiver_of_wreck\/mcga-dops_row_report.htm). *[Maritime and Coastguard Agency](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maritime_and_Coastguard_Agency \"Maritime and Coastguard Agency\")*. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.mcga.gov.uk\/c4mca\/mcga-environmental\/mcga-dops_row_receiver_of_wreck\/mcga-dops_row_report.htm) on 25 February 2008. Retrieved 18 May 2013.\n30. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-30)**\n    [\"Wreck and salvage law - Detailed guidance\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20110128191037\/http:\/\/www.mcga.gov.uk\/c4mca\/mcga-environmental\/mcga-dops_row_receiver_of_wreck\/mcga-dops_row_penalties.htm). *[Maritime and Coastguard Agency](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maritime_and_Coastguard_Agency \"Maritime and Coastguard Agency\")*. 14 September 2012. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.mcga.gov.uk\/c4mca\/mcga-environmental\/mcga-dops_row_receiver_of_wreck\/mcga-dops_row_penalties.htm) on 28 January 2011. Retrieved 17 September 2015.\n31. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-31)**\n    [\"Structural failure of container vessel MSC Napoli and subsequent beaching Marine Accident Investigation Branch report\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20071018170141\/http:\/\/mcga.gov.uk\/c4mca\/mcga-newsroom\/incident\/dops_-_hq-napoli_15_february_.htm). *[Maritime and Coastguard Agency](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maritime_and_Coastguard_Agency \"Maritime and Coastguard Agency\")*. 18 January 2007. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.mcga.gov.uk\/c4mca\/mcga-newsroom\/incident\/dops_-_hq-napoli_15_february_.htm) on 18 October 2007. Retrieved 17 September 2015.\n32. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-32)**\n    [\"What Lies Beneath\"](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/worldservice\/documentaries\/2008\/08\/080821_what_lies_beneath.shtml). *[BBC Radio World Service](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/BBC_Radio_World_Service \"BBC Radio World Service\") Broadcast*. [Bbc.co.uk](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bbc.co.uk \"Bbc.co.uk\"). 22 August 2008. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20170106092046\/http:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/worldservice\/documentaries\/2008\/08\/080821_what_lies_beneath.shtml) from the original on 6 January 2017. Retrieved 19 September 2009.\n33. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-33)**\n    Schuster, Angela M.H. (May–June 1979). [\"Blackbeard's Flagship\"](http:\/\/archive.archaeology.org\/9705\/newsbriefs\/blackbeard.html). *Archaeology Magazine Archive*. [Archaeological Institute of America](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Archaeological_Institute_of_America \"Archaeological Institute of America\"). [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20150827035802\/http:\/\/archive.archaeology.org\/9705\/newsbriefs\/blackbeard.html) from the original on 27 August 2015. Retrieved 17 September 2015.\n34. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-34)**\n    [\"Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage\"](https:\/\/wayback.archive-it.org\/all\/20080815180246\/http:\/\/portal.unesco.org\/culture\/en\/ev.php-URL_ID=34114&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html). *[UNESCO](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UNESCO \"UNESCO\")*. 2001. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/portal.unesco.org\/culture\/en\/ev.php-URL_ID=34114&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html) on 15 August 2008. Retrieved 19 September 2009.\n35. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-35)**\n    Roberts, Hayley (2018). [\"The British Ratification of the Underwater Heritage Convention: Problems and Prospects\"](https:\/\/research.bangor.ac.uk\/portal\/en\/researchoutputs\/the-british-ratification-of-the-underwater-heritage-convention-problems-and-prospects\\(5d0f3e40-6d37-42bb-805c-8de96b82dbae\\).html). *International & Comparative Law Quarterly*. **67** (4): 833–865\\. [doi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Doi_\\(identifier\\) \"Doi (identifier)\"):[10\\.1017\/S0020589318000210](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1017%2FS0020589318000210). [ISSN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISSN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISSN (identifier)\") [0020-5893](https:\/\/search.worldcat.org\/issn\/0020-5893). [S2CID](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/S2CID_\\(identifier\\) \"S2CID (identifier)\") [149780539](https:\/\/api.semanticscholar.org\/CorpusID:149780539). [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20200610223253\/https:\/\/research.bangor.ac.uk\/portal\/en\/researchoutputs\/the-british-ratification-of-the-underwater-heritage-convention-problems-and-prospects\\(5d0f3e40-6d37-42bb-805c-8de96b82dbae\\).html) from the original on 2020-06-10. Retrieved 2020-05-23.\n36. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-36)**\n    Hogan, C.Michael (27 September 2011). [\"SS Gairsoppa recovery\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20130604011024\/http:\/\/www.eoearth.org\/article\/SS_Gairsoppa_recovery?topic=49523). In Saundry, Peter; Cleveland, C.J. (eds.). *[Encyclopedia of Earth](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Encyclopedia_of_Earth \"Encyclopedia of Earth\")*. Washington DC: [National Council for Science and the Environment](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Council_for_Science_and_the_Environment \"National Council for Science and the Environment\"). Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.eoearth.org\/article\/SS_Gairsoppa_recovery?topic=49523) on 4 June 2013. Retrieved 16 March 2019.\n\n## Further reading\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=27 \"Edit section: Further reading\")\\]\n\n- Jamieson, Alan G. (2022), *Out of the Depths: A History of Shipwrecks*, Reaktion Books,\n  [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  [9781789146196](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9781789146196 \"Special:BookSources\/9781789146196\")\n\n- Larn, Richard; Larn, Bridget; Lloyd's Register of Shipping (1995), *Shipwreck index of the British Isles*, Lloyd's Register of Shipping\n  ; Vol.1 - The South West\n  [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  [0-900528-88-5](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/0-900528-88-5 \"Special:BookSources\/0-900528-88-5\")\n  ; Vol.2 - The South Coast,\n  [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  [0-900528-99-0](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/0-900528-99-0 \"Special:BookSources\/0-900528-99-0\")\n  ; Vol.3 - The East Coast,\n  [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  [1-900839-10-5](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/1-900839-10-5 \"Special:BookSources\/1-900839-10-5\")\n  ; Vol.4 - Scotland,\n  [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  [1-900839-01-6](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/1-900839-01-6 \"Special:BookSources\/1-900839-01-6\")\n  ; Vol.5 - West Coast & Wales,\n  [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  [1-900839-61-X](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/1-900839-61-X \"Special:BookSources\/1-900839-61-X\")\n  ; Vol. 6- Ireland (all)\n  [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  [1-900839-03-2](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/1-900839-03-2 \"Special:BookSources\/1-900839-03-2\")\n- Muckenhaupt, P. G. (2018), *Treasure Pirates Shipwrecks Gold and Silver*, Amazon Digital Services LLC\n  [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  [9781729469668](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9781729469668 \"Special:BookSources\/9781729469668\")\n\n## External links\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=28 \"Edit section: External links\")\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Commons-logo.svg\/40px-Commons-logo.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Commons-logo.svg)\n\nWikimedia Commons has media related to [Shipwrecks](https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Shipwrecks \"commons:Category:Shipwrecks\").\n\n- [UNESCO 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage](https:\/\/wayback.archive-it.org\/all\/20080815180246\/http:\/\/portal.unesco.org\/culture\/en\/ev.php-URL_ID=34114&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html)\n- [WreckSite.eu](http:\/\/www.wrecksite.eu\/), worldwide database of + 105,000 wrecks with history, maritime charts and GPS positions (subscription required) (in Dutch, English, French, German, and Spanish)\n- [NOAA Wrecks and Obstructions Database](http:\/\/www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov\/hsd\/wrecks_and_obstructions.html) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20210723033310\/https:\/\/www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov\/hsd\/wrecks_and_obstructions.html) 2021-07-23 at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\")\n- [Wreck Diving in the Graveyard of the Atlantic](http:\/\/www.nc-wreckdiving.com\/)\n- [Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary](http:\/\/thunderbay.noaa.gov\/welcome.html)\n- [Battle Over Shipwreck Photos Brews in N.C.](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20150816004056\/http:\/\/www.courthousenews.com\/2015\/08\/12\/battle-over-shipwreck-photos-brews-in-n-c.htm), Courthouse News\n- [N.C Supreme Court revives lawsuit over Blackbeard's ship and lost Spanish treasure ship](https:\/\/www.fayobserver.com\/news\/20191111\/nc-supreme-court-revives-lawsuit-over-blackbeards-ship-and-lost-spanish-treasure-ship), Fayetteville Observer\n\n| [Authority control databases](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Authority_control \"Help:Authority control\") [![Edit this at Wikidata](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/8\/8a\/OOjs_UI_icon_edit-ltr-progressive.svg\/20px-OOjs_UI_icon_edit-ltr-progressive.svg.png)](https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q852190#identifiers \"Edit this at Wikidata\") |   |\n|---|---|\n| International | [GND](https:\/\/d-nb.info\/gnd\/4066981-6) |\n| National | [Czech Republic](https:\/\/aleph.nkp.cz\/F\/?func=find-c&local_base=aut&ccl_term=ica=ph115168&CON_LNG=ENG) [Latvia](https:\/\/kopkatalogs.lv\/F?func=direct&local_base=lnc10&doc_number=000361846&P_CON_LNG=ENG) |\n| Other | [NARA](https:\/\/catalog.archives.gov\/id\/10644322) |\n\n![](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:CentralAutoLogin\/start?useformat=desktop&type=1x1&usesul3=1)\n\nRetrieved from \"<https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&oldid=1332680993>\"\n\n[Categories](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Category \"Help:Category\"):\n\n- [Shipwrecks](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Shipwrecks \"Category:Shipwrecks\")\n- [Law of the sea](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Law_of_the_sea \"Category:Law of the sea\")\n\nHidden categories:\n\n- [Webarchive template wayback links](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Webarchive_template_wayback_links \"Category:Webarchive template wayback links\")\n- [CS1 Dutch-language sources (nl)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:CS1_Dutch-language_sources_\\(nl\\) \"Category:CS1 Dutch-language 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Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the [Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.](https:\/\/wikimediafoundation.org\/), a non-profit organization.\n\n- [Privacy policy](https:\/\/foundation.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Special:MyLanguage\/Policy:Privacy_policy)\n- [About Wikipedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:About)\n- [Disclaimers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:General_disclaimer)\n- [Contact Wikipedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Contact_us)\n- [Legal & safety contacts](https:\/\/foundation.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Special:MyLanguage\/Legal:Wikimedia_Foundation_Legal_and_Safety_Contact_Information)\n- [Code of Conduct](https:\/\/foundation.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Special:MyLanguage\/Policy:Universal_Code_of_Conduct)\n- [Developers](https:\/\/developer.wikimedia.org\/)\n- [Statistics](https:\/\/stats.wikimedia.org\/#\/en.wikipedia.org)\n- [Cookie statement](https:\/\/foundation.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Special:MyLanguage\/Policy:Cookie_statement)\n- [Mobile view](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&mobileaction=toggle_view_mobile)\n\n- [![Wikimedia Foundation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/footer\/wikimedia.svg)](https:\/\/www.wikimedia.org\/)\n- [![Powered by MediaWiki](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/resources\/assets\/mediawiki_compact.svg)](https:\/\/www.mediawiki.org\/)\n\nSearch\n\nToggle the table of contents\n\nShipwreck\n\n32 languages\n\n[Add topic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck)","attrs_readable_markdown":"[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Shipwreck_of_the_SS_American_Star_on_the_shore_of_Fuerteventura.jpg\/500px-Shipwreck_of_the_SS_American_Star_on_the_shore_of_Fuerteventura.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Shipwreck_of_the_SS_American_Star_on_the_shore_of_Fuerteventura.jpg)\n\nThe shipwreck of [SS *American Star*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SS_America_\\(1939\\) \"SS America (1939)\") on the shore of [Fuerteventura](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fuerteventura \"Fuerteventura\") in 2004\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/b\/b5\/Miinitraaleri_%22Virsaitis%22_vrakk.jpg\/250px-Miinitraaleri_%22Virsaitis%22_vrakk.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Miinitraaleri_%22Virsaitis%22_vrakk.jpg)\n\nA [sonar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sonar \"Sonar\") image of the shipwreck of the [Soviet Navy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Soviet_Navy \"Soviet Navy\") ship *[Virsaitis](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SMS_M68 \"SMS M68\")* in [Estonian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Estonia \"Estonia\") waters\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/6\/67\/Johan_Christian_Dahl_-_Shipwreck_on_the_Coast_of_Norway_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg\/250px-Johan_Christian_Dahl_-_Shipwreck_on_the_Coast_of_Norway_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Johan_Christian_Dahl_-_Shipwreck_on_the_Coast_of_Norway_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg)\n\n[Johan Christian Dahl](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Johan_Christian_Dahl \"Johan Christian Dahl\"): *[Shipwreck on the Norwegian Coast](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck_on_the_Norwegian_Coast \"Shipwreck on the Norwegian Coast\")*, 1832\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/9\/9c\/Titanic_wreck_bow.jpg\/500px-Titanic_wreck_bow.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Titanic_wreck_bow.jpg)\n\n[Bow](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bow_\\(watercraft\\) \"Bow (watercraft)\") of [RMS *Titanic*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Titanic \"Titanic\"), first [discovered](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wreck_of_the_Titanic \"Wreck of the Titanic\") in 1985\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/80\/Collision_of_Costa_Concordia_24.jpg\/500px-Collision_of_Costa_Concordia_24.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Collision_of_Costa_Concordia_24.jpg)\n\nWreck of *[Costa Concordia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Costa_Concordia \"Costa Concordia\")*\n\nA **shipwreck** is the wreckage of a [ship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ship \"Ship\") that is either beached on land or sunken to the bottom of a body of water. It results from the event of *[shipwrecking](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwrecking \"Shipwrecking\")*, which may be intentional or unintentional. There were approximately three million shipwrecks worldwide as of January 1999, according to Angela Croome, a science writer and author who specialized in the history of underwater archaeology [\\[1\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-1) (an estimate rapidly endorsed by [UNESCO](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UNESCO \"UNESCO\")[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-2)[\\[3\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-3) and other organizations[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-4)). When a ship's crew has died or abandoned the ship, and the ship has remained adrift but unsunk, they are instead referred to as [*ghost ships*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ghost_ship \"Ghost ship\").\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/4\/47\/Sparrow_Hawk_ship.jpg\/250px-Sparrow_Hawk_ship.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Sparrow_Hawk_ship.jpg)\n\nThe 1626 *Sparrow-Hawk* wreck is displayed at the [Pilgrim Hall Museum](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pilgrim_Hall_Museum \"Pilgrim Hall Museum\") in [Plymouth](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Plymouth,_Massachusetts \"Plymouth, Massachusetts\"), [Massachusetts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Massachusetts \"Massachusetts\")\n\nHistoric wrecks are attractive to [maritime archaeologists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maritime_archaeology \"Maritime archaeology\") because they preserve historical information: for example, studying the wreck of [*Mary Rose*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mary_Rose \"Mary Rose\") revealed information about seafaring, warfare, and life in the 16th century. Military wrecks, caused by a skirmish at sea, are studied to find details about the historic event; they reveal much about the battle that occurred. Discoveries of [treasure ships](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Spanish_treasure_fleet \"Spanish treasure fleet\"), often from the period of European [colonisation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Colonisation \"Colonisation\"), which sank in remote locations leaving few living witnesses, such as [*Batavia*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Batavia_\\(1628_ship\\) \"Batavia (1628 ship)\"), do occur as well.\n\n### Environmental hazards\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=3 \"Edit section: Environmental hazards\")\\]\n\nSome contemporary wrecks, such as the [oil tanker](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tanker_\\(ship\\) \"Tanker (ship)\") [*Prestige*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prestige_oil_spill \"Prestige oil spill\") or [*Erika*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/MV_Erika \"MV Erika\"), are of interest primarily because of their potential harm to the environment.\n\n### Hazards to navigation\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=4 \"Edit section: Hazards to navigation\")\\]\n\n### Artificial reefs and dive sites\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=5 \"Edit section: Artificial reefs and dive sites\")\\]\n\nOther contemporary wrecks are scuttled in order to spur reef growth, such as [*Adolphus Busch*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/MV_Adolphus_Busch \"MV Adolphus Busch\") and *Ocean Freeze*. Many contemporary and historic wrecks, such as [*Thistlegorm*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SS_Thistlegorm \"SS Thistlegorm\"), are of interest to [recreational divers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Recreational_diving \"Recreational diving\") that dive to shipwrecks because they are interesting to explore, provide large habitats for many types of marine life, and have an interesting history.\n\n### Well known incidents and disasters\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=6 \"Edit section: Well known incidents and disasters\")\\]\n\nWell-known shipwrecks include the catastrophic *[Titanic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Titanic \"Titanic\")*, [MV Doña Paz](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/MV_Do%C3%B1a_Paz \"MV Doña Paz\"), [*Britannic*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/HMHS_Britannic \"HMHS Britannic\"), [*Lusitania*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/RMS_Lusitania \"RMS Lusitania\"), [*Estonia*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/MS_Estonia \"MS Estonia\"), [*Empress of Ireland*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/RMS_Empress_of_Ireland \"RMS Empress of Ireland\"), [*Andrea Doria*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SS_Andrea_Doria \"SS Andrea Doria\"), [*Endurance*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Endurance_\\(1912_ship\\) \"Endurance (1912 ship)\"), [*Costa Concordia*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Costa_Concordia \"Costa Concordia\"), *[HMS Pandora](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/HMS_Pandora_\\(1779\\) \"HMS Pandora (1779)\")* and [*SS Waratah*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SS_Waratah \"SS Waratah\").\n\n### Abandoned or scuttled derelicts\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=7 \"Edit section: Abandoned or scuttled derelicts\")\\]\n\nThere are also thousands of wrecks that were not lost at sea but have been abandoned or sunk. These abandoned, or derelict ships are typically smaller craft, such as fishing vessels. They may pose a hazard to navigation[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-5) and may be removed by [port authorities](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Port_authority \"Port authority\").[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-ScurvyDeath2007-6)\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Vista_Sur.jpg\/250px-Vista_Sur.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Vista_Sur.jpg)\n\n[*County of Peebles*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/County_of_Peebles_\\(ship\\) \"County of Peebles (ship)\"), used as breakwater in [Punta Arenas](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Punta_Arenas \"Punta Arenas\") at the [Strait of Magellan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Strait_of_Magellan \"Strait of Magellan\")\n\nPoor design, improperly stowed [cargo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cargo \"Cargo\"), navigation and other human errors leading to collisions (with another ship, the shoreline, an iceberg, etc.), inadequate maintenance, bad weather, [fire](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fire \"Fire\"), and other causes can lead to accidental sinking. Intentional reasons for sinking a ship include: intending to form an [artificial reef](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Artificial_reef \"Artificial reef\"); destruction due to [warfare](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/War \"War\"), [piracy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Piracy \"Piracy\"), [mutiny](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mutiny \"Mutiny\") or [sabotage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sabotage \"Sabotage\"); using the vessel for [target practice](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Target_practice \"Target practice\"); or removing a [hazard to navigation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hazard_to_navigation \"Hazard to navigation\"). A scuttled ship can be also used as [breakwater structure](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Breakwater_\\(structure\\) \"Breakwater (structure)\") or to deny or restrict access to an area to other shipping.\n\nShipwrecks are widely distributed, but are concentrated where there is more shipping and more [navigational hazards](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Navigational_hazard \"Navigational hazard\"). Some shipwrecks have been recorded and the circumstances of loss may be known. other ships have [disappeared without trace](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_missing_ships \"List of missing ships\") and are assumed to have been wrecked.\n\n## State of preservation\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=10 \"Edit section: State of preservation\")\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/b\/bc\/The_Wasa_from_the_stern.jpg\/250px-The_Wasa_from_the_stern.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:The_Wasa_from_the_stern.jpg)\n\n[*Vasa*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vasa_\\(ship\\) \"Vasa (ship)\") is one of the oldest and best-preserved ships salvaged in the world, owing to the cool temperatures and low salinity of the [Baltic Sea](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Baltic_Sea \"Baltic Sea\")\n\nMany factors determine the state of preservation of a wreck:\n\n- the ship's construction materials\n- the wreck becoming covered in sand or silt\n- the [salinity](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Salinity \"Salinity\") of the water the wreck is in\n- the level of destruction involved in the ship's loss\n- whether the components or [cargo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cargo \"Cargo\") of the wreck were [salvaged](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marine_salvage \"Marine salvage\")\n- whether the wreck was demolished to clear a navigable channel\n- the depth of water at the wreck site\n- the strength of [tidal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tide \"Tide\") currents or [wave action](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wave_action \"Wave action\") at the wreck site\n- the exposure to surface weather conditions at the wreck site\n- the presence of [marine life](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marine_life \"Marine life\") that consume the ship's fabric\n- temperature\n- the acidity (or [pH](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/PH \"PH\")), and other chemical characteristics of the water at the site\n\nThe above - especially the stratification (silt\/sand sediments piled up on the shipwrecks) and the damages caused by marine creatures - is better described as \"stratification and contamination\" of shipwrecks. The stratification not only creates another challenge for marine archaeology, but also a challenge to determine its primary state, i.e. the state that it was in when it sank.\n\nStratification includes several different types of sand and silt, as well as tumulus and encrustations. These \"sediments\" are tightly linked to the type of currents, depth, and the type of water (salinity, pH, etc.), which implies any chemical reactions that would affect potential cargo (such as wine, olive oil, spices, etc.).\n\nBesides this geological phenomenon, wrecks also face the damage of marine creatures that create a home out of them, primarily octopuses and crustaceans. These creatures affect the primary state because they move, or break, any parts of the shipwreck that are in their way, thereby affecting the original condition of [amphorae](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Amphorae \"Amphorae\"), for example, or any other hollow places. Finally, in addition to the slight or severe destruction marine animals can create, there are also \"external\" contaminants, such as the artifacts on and around the wreck at [Pickles Reef](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pickles_Reef \"Pickles Reef\") and the over-lapping wrecks at the [Molasses Reef Wreck](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Molasses_Reef_Wreck \"Molasses Reef Wreck\"), or contemporary pollution in bodies of water, that severely affect shipwrecks by changing the chemical structures, or further damaging what is left of a specific ship.\n\nDespite these challenges, if the information retrieved does not appear to be sufficient,\\[*[further explanation needed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Please_clarify \"Wikipedia:Please clarify\")*\\] or a poor preservation is achieved, authors like J.A. Parker claim that it is the historical value of the shipwreck\\[*[further explanation needed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Please_clarify \"Wikipedia:Please clarify\")*\\] that counts as well as any slight piece of information or evidence that is acquired.[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-7)\n\n### Construction materials\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=11 \"Edit section: Construction materials\")\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/4\/4a\/The_Wreck%2C_by_Knud-Andreassen_Baade_c.1835.JPG\/330px-The_Wreck%2C_by_Knud-Andreassen_Baade_c.1835.JPG)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:The_Wreck,_by_Knud-Andreassen_Baade_c.1835.JPG)\n\nThe Wreck, by Knud-Andreassen Baade\n\nc.\n\n1835\n\nExposed [wooden](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wood \"Wood\") components decay quickly.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Citation_needed \"Wikipedia:Citation needed\")*\\] Often the only wooden parts of ships that remain after a century are those that were buried in [silt](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Silt \"Silt\") or [sand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sand \"Sand\") soon after the sinking. An example of this is *Mary Rose*.\n\n[Steel](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Steel \"Steel\") and [iron](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Iron \"Iron\"), depending on their thickness, may retain the ship's structure for decades. As [corrosion](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Corrosion \"Corrosion\") takes place, sometimes accelerated by tides and weather, the structure collapses. Thicker ferrous objects such as [cannons](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cannon \"Cannon\"), [boilers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Boiler \"Boiler\") or the [pressure vessel](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pressure_vessel \"Pressure vessel\") of a [submarine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Submarine \"Submarine\") generall survive longer underwater in spite of corrosion.\n\n[Propellers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Propeller \"Propeller\"), [condensers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Condenser_\\(heat_transfer\\) \"Condenser (heat transfer)\"), [hinges](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hinge \"Hinge\") and portholes were often made from non-ferrous metals such as [brass](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Brass \"Brass\") and [bronze](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bronze \"Bronze\"), which do not corrode easily.\n\n#### Fresh and low salinity water\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=13 \"Edit section: Fresh and low salinity water\")\\]\n\nShipwrecks in some [freshwater](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Freshwater \"Freshwater\") lakes, such as the [Great Lakes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Great_Lakes \"Great Lakes\") of North America, have remained intact with little degradation. In some sea areas, most notably in [Gulf of Bothnia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gulf_of_Bothnia \"Gulf of Bothnia\") and [Gulf of Finland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gulf_of_Finland \"Gulf of Finland\"), salinity is very low, and centuries-old wrecks have been preserved in reasonable condition. However, [bacteria](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bacteria \"Bacteria\") found in fresh water can cause the wood of wrecked ships to rot more quickly than in seawater unless it is deprived of oxygen.[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-8) Two shipwrecks, [USS *Hamilton*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/USS_Hamilton_\\(1809\\) \"USS Hamilton (1809)\") and [USS *Scourge*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/USS_Scourge_\\(1812\\) \"USS Scourge (1812)\"), have been at the bottom of [Lake Ontario](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lake_Ontario \"Lake Ontario\") since they sunk during a violent storm on August 8, 1813, during the [War of 1812](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/War_of_1812 \"War of 1812\"). They are in \"remarkably good\" condition.[\\[9\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-9)\n\nWrecks typically decay rapidly when in [seawater](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Seawater \"Seawater\"). There are several reasons for this:\n\n- [Iron](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Iron \"Iron\")\\-based metals [corrode](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Corrosion \"Corrosion\") much more quickly in seawater because of the dissolved [salt](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Salt \"Salt\") present; the sodium and chloride [ions](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ion \"Ion\") chemically accelerate the process of metal oxidation which, in the case of ferrous metals, leads to [rust](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rust \"Rust\"). Such cases are prominent on deep-water shipwrecks, such as [RMS *Titanic*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/RMS_Titanic \"RMS Titanic\") (sank 1912), [RMS *Lusitania*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/RMS_Lusitania \"RMS Lusitania\") (sank 1915), and [German battleship *Bismarck*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/German_battleship_Bismarck \"German battleship Bismarck\") (sank 1941). However, there are some exceptions; *[RMS Empress of Ireland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/RMS_Empress_of_Ireland \"RMS Empress of Ireland\")* (sank 1914) lies in the saltwater portion of the [St. Lawrence River](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/St._Lawrence_River \"St. Lawrence River\"), but is still in remarkably good condition.[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-10)\n- Unprotected wood in seawater is rapidly consumed by [shipworms](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipworm \"Shipworm\") and small wood-boring sea creatures. Shipworms found in higher salinity waters, such as the [Caribbean](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Caribbean \"Caribbean\"), are notorious for boring into wooden structures that are immersed in sea water and can completely destroy the hull of a wooden shipwreck.[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-11)\n\n### Loss, salvage, and demolition\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=15 \"Edit section: Loss, salvage, and demolition\")\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/3c\/SS_Austria_shipwreck.jpg\/250px-SS_Austria_shipwreck.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:SS_Austria_shipwreck.jpg)\n\nThe shipwreck of [SS *Austria*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SS_Austria \"SS Austria\") on 13 September 1858\n\nAn important factor in the condition of the wreck is the level of destruction at the time of the loss or shortly afterwards due to the nature of the loss, salvage or later demolition.\n\nExamples of severe destruction at the time of loss are:\n\n- Being blown onto a beach, reef, or rocks during a storm, termed \"grounding\" (e.g., [*Royal Adelaide*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Royal_Adelaide_\\(1865_ship\\) \"Royal Adelaide (1865 ship)\"))\n- Collision with another ship (e.g., [*Andrea Doria*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SS_Andrea_Doria \"SS Andrea Doria\"))\n- Catastrophic explosion (e.g., [HMS *Hood*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/HMS_Hood \"HMS Hood\")), steamship boilers often explode when water covers them during the process of sinking\n- Fire that burns for a long time before the ship sinks (e.g., [*Achille Lauro*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/MS_Achille_Lauro \"MS Achille Lauro\"))\n- Foundering, i.e., taking in so much water that buoyancy is lost and the ship sinks (e.g., RMS *Titanic* and HMHS *Britannic*); some ships with a dense cargo (e.g., iron ore) may break up when sinking quickly and hitting a rocky seabed\n- Enemy action from [aerial bombs](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Aerial_bomb \"Aerial bomb\") or [torpedoes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Torpedo \"Torpedo\") that may cause destruction before sinking (e.g., the [Italian battleship *Roma*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Italian_battleship_Roma_\\(1940\\) \"Italian battleship Roma (1940)\") and [HMS *Barham*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/HMS_Barham_\\(04\\) \"HMS Barham (04)\"))\n\nAfter the loss, the vessel's owners may attempt to [salvage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marine_salvage \"Marine salvage\") valuable parts of the ship and its cargo. This operation can cause further damage.\n\nShipwrecks in shallow water near busy shipping lanes are often demolished or removed to reduce the danger to other vessels. On charts, some wreck symbols have a line under the symbol with a depth mark, which indicates the water depth above the wreck.\n\n### Depth, tide and weather\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=16 \"Edit section: Depth, tide and weather\")\\]\n\nOn the seabed, wrecks are slowly broken up by the forces of [wave action](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wave_action \"Wave action\") caused by the weather and currents caused by [tides](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tide \"Tide\"). More highly oxygenated water promotes [corrosion](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Corrosion \"Corrosion\"), which reduces the strength of ferrous structural materials of the ship. Deeper wrecks may be protected by less exposure to water movement and by lower levels of oxygen in water.\n\nExtreme cold (such as in a [glacial-fed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Glacier \"Glacier\") lake, [Arctic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Arctic \"Arctic\") waters, the [Great Lakes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Great_Lakes \"Great Lakes\"), etc.) slows the degradation of ship materials. Decay, corrosion and marine encrustation are inhibited in cold waters.[\\[12\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-12)\n\nMany modern shipwrecks contribute to [marine pollution](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marine_pollution \"Marine pollution\"), mainly as sources of significant [oil spills](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Oil_spill \"Oil spill\").[\\[13\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Smithsonian_Ocean-13) A 2005 survey of shipwrecks since 1890 found that over 8,500 of the submerged wrecks may still contain oil.[\\[14\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-14) Oil spills can have devastating effects on marine and coastal environments as well as fisheries. In addition to being toxic to marine life, [polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Polycyclic_aromatic_hydrocarbon \"Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon\") (PAHs), found in [crude oil](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Crude_oil \"Crude oil\"), are very difficult to clean up, and last for years in the [sediment](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sediment \"Sediment\") and marine environment.[\\[15\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Panetta-15)[\\[16\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-VanLanduyt2022-16)\n\nShipwreck pollution may also originate with a ship's cargo or munitions,[\\[13\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Smithsonian_Ocean-13) such as [unexploded ordnance](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Unexploded_ordnance \"Unexploded ordnance\") or [chemical weapons](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chemical_weapon \"Chemical weapon\") canisters.[\\[17\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-17) German trawler [V 1302 *John Mahn*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/German_trawler_V_1302_John_Mahn \"German trawler V 1302 John Mahn\"), sunk in the [North Sea](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/North_Sea \"North Sea\") in 1942,[\\[18\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Sven_2020-18)[\\[19\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Termote_2009-19) has multiple unexploded [depth charges](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Depth_charges \"Depth charges\") on board which render the wreck hazardous.[\\[18\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Sven_2020-18) Samples taken from the wreck and nearby sediment show the presence of [heavy metals](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Heavy_metals \"Heavy metals\") like nickel and copper, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, [arsenic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Arsenic \"Arsenic\") and explosive compounds, which have changed the local microbial ecology.[\\[16\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-VanLanduyt2022-16)\n\n## Natural deterioration process\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=19 \"Edit section: Natural deterioration process\")\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/11\/Quartette_03_noaa_casserley.jpg\/250px-Quartette_03_noaa_casserley.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Quartette_03_noaa_casserley.jpg)\n\nPropeller amongst corals\n\nIron and steel wrecks are subject to corrosion, which is most rapid in shallow sea water where the salinity induces galvanic corrosion, oxygen content is high and water movement replenishes the oxygen rapidly. In deeper water and in still water the corrosion rates can be greatly reduced. Corrosion rates of iron and steel are also reduced when concretions, solid layers of rust, or layers of marine organisms separate the metal from the ambient water, and encourage the development of a layer of relatively stable black oxide in the hypoxic layers.[\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20)\n\nA shipwreck may have value in several forms:[\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20)\n\n- Cultural heritage,[\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20)\n- Recreational diving and other tourism attraction[\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20)\n- Scientific, educational and monetary values [\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20)\n  - Artificial reefs[\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20)\n  - Monetary value of salvageable cargo and components[\\[20\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20)\n\nOften, attempts are made to salvage shipwrecks, particularly those recently wrecked, to recover the whole or part of the ship, its cargo, or its equipment. An example was the salvage of the [scuttled German High Seas Fleet at Scapa Flow](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Scuttling_of_the_German_fleet_at_Scapa_Flow \"Scuttling of the German fleet at Scapa Flow\") in the 1920s and 1930s. The unauthorized salvage of wrecks is called [wrecking](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wrecking_\\(shipwreck\\) \"Wrecking (shipwreck)\").\n\nShipwreck law determines important legal questions regarding wrecks, perhaps the most important question being the question of ownership. Legally wrecks are divided into *wreccum maris* (material washed ashore after a shipwreck) and *adventurae maris* (material still at sea),[\\[21\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-21) which are treated differently by some, but not all, legal systems.\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Nanking_Cargo_kijkdag_%281986%29.jpg\/250px-Nanking_Cargo_kijkdag_%281986%29.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Nanking_Cargo_kijkdag_\\(1986\\).jpg)\n\nViewing at [Christie's](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Christie%27s \"Christie's\") auction in Amsterdam for the cargo of the [Dutch East India Company](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dutch_East_India_Company \"Dutch East India Company\") (VOC) ship *Geldermalsen* (1747)\n\nWrecks are often considered separately from their cargo. For example, in the British case of *[Lusitania](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/RMS_Lusitania#1984_British_legal_action \"RMS Lusitania\")* \\[1986\\] QB 384 it was accepted that the remains of the vessel itself were owned by the insurance underwriters who had paid out on the vessel as a total loss by virtue of the law of [subrogation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Subrogation \"Subrogation\") (who subsequently sold their rights), but that the property aboard the wreck still belonged to its original owners or their heirs.\n\nMilitary wrecks, however, remain under the jurisdiction – and hence protection – of the government that lost the ship, or that government's successor. Hence, a German [U-boat](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/U-boat \"U-boat\") from World War II still technically belongs to the German government, although [Nazi Germany](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nazi_Germany \"Nazi Germany\") (the government at the time) is long-defunct. Many military wrecks are also protected by virtue of being [war graves](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/War_grave \"War grave\").\n\nHowever, many legal systems allow the rights of salvors to override the rights of the original owners of a wreck or its cargo. As a general rule, non-historic civilian shipwrecks are considered fair game for salvage. Under international [maritime law](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maritime_law \"Maritime law\"), for shipwrecks of a certain age, the original owner may have lost all claim to the cargo. Anyone who finds the wreck can then file a salvage claim on it and place a lien on the vessel, and subsequently mount a salvage operation (see [Finders, keepers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Finders,_keepers \"Finders, keepers\")).[\\[22\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-22) The State of North Carolina questionably claims \"all photographs, video recordings, or other documentary materials of a derelict vessel or shipwreck or its contents, relics, artifacts, or historic materials in the custody of any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions\" to be its property.[\\[23\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-23)\n\nSome countries assert claims to all wrecks within their territorial waters, irrespective of the interest of the original owner or the salvor.[\\[24\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-24)\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/85\/Napolibeached.jpg\/250px-Napolibeached.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Napolibeached.jpg)\n\n[*MSC Napoli*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/MSC_Napoli \"MSC Napoli\") beached off Branscombe\n\nSome legal systems regard a wreck and its cargo to be abandoned if no attempt is made to salvage them within a certain period of time. English law has usually resisted this notion (encouraged by an extremely large maritime insurance industry, which asserts claims in respect of shipwrecks which it has paid claims on), but it has been accepted to a greater or lesser degree in an Australian case[\\[25\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-25) and in a Norwegian case.[\\[26\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-26)\n\nThe American courts have been inconsistent between states and at federal level.[\\[27\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-27) Under Danish law, all shipwrecks over 150 years old belong to the state if no owner can be found.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Citation_needed \"Wikipedia:Citation needed\")*\\] In Spain, wrecks vest in the state if not salvaged within 3 years.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Citation_needed \"Wikipedia:Citation needed\")*\\] In Finland, all property on board shipwrecks over 100 years old vests in the state.\\[*[citation needed](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Citation_needed \"Wikipedia:Citation needed\")*\\]\n\nThe British [Protection of Wrecks Act](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Protection_of_Wrecks_Act_1973 \"Protection of Wrecks Act 1973\"), enacted to protect historic wrecks, controls access to wrecks such as [Cattewater Wreck](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cattewater_Wreck \"Cattewater Wreck\") which can only be visited or investigated under licence. The British [Protection of Military Remains Act 1986](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Protection_of_Military_Remains_Act_1986 \"Protection of Military Remains Act 1986\") also restricts access to wrecks which are sensitive as [war graves](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/War_grave \"War grave\"). The Protection of Military Remains Act in some cases creates a blanket ban on all diving; for other wrecks divers may visit provided they do not touch, interfere with or penetrate the wreck. In the United States, shipwrecks in state waters are regulated by the [Abandoned Shipwrecks Act](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Abandoned_Shipwrecks_Act \"Abandoned Shipwrecks Act\") of 1987. This act is much more lenient in allowing more open access to the shipwrecks.\n\nFollowing the beaching of [*MSC Napoli*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/MSC_Napoli \"MSC Napoli\"), as a result of severe damage incurred during European storm [Kyrill](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kyrill_\\(storm\\) \"Kyrill (storm)\"), there was confusion in the press and by the authorities about whether people could be prevented from helping themselves to the [flotsam](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Flotsam \"Flotsam\") which was washed up on the beaches at [Branscombe](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Branscombe \"Branscombe\"). Many people took advantage of the confusion and helped themselves to the cargo. This included many [BMW](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/BMW \"BMW\") motorbikes and empty wine casks as well as bags of disposable nappies ([diapers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Diapers \"Diapers\")).[\\[28\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-28) The legal position under the [Merchant Shipping Act 1995](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Merchant_Shipping_Act_1995 \"Merchant Shipping Act 1995\") is that any such finds and recovery must be reported within 28 days to the [Receiver of Wreck](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Receiver_of_Wreck \"Receiver of Wreck\").[\\[29\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-29) Failure to do so is an offence under the Merchant Shipping Act and can result in a criminal record for [theft by finding](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Theft_by_finding \"Theft by finding\").[\\[30\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-30) After several days, the police and Receiver of Wreck, in conjunction with the landowner and the contracted [salvors](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marine_salvage \"Marine salvage\"), established a cordon to prevent access to the beach.[\\[31\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-31) A similar situation occurred after the wreck of [*Cita*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/MV_Cita \"MV Cita\") in 1997.\n\nHistoric wrecks (often but not always defined as being more than 50 years of age) are often protected from pillaging and looting through national laws protecting cultural heritage.[\\[32\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-32) Internationally they may be protected by a State ratifying the [Unesco Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Underwater_cultural_heritage \"Underwater cultural heritage\"). In this case pillaging is not allowed. One such example is [*Queen Anne's Revenge*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Queen_Anne%27s_Revenge \"Queen Anne's Revenge\")[\\[33\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-33) which is undergoing archaeological recovery by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources near Beaufort Inlet, NC.\n\nAn important international convention aiming at the protection of underwater cultural heritage (including shipwrecks) is the **Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.**[\\[34\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-34) The 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage represents the international community's response to the increasing looting and destruction of underwater cultural heritage. It forms part of a group of UNESCO standard setting instruments regarding the domain of cultural heritage, encompassing seven conventions adopted by UNESCO Member States, which constitute a coherent and complementary body guaranteeing a complete protection of all forms of cultural heritage.\n\nThe UNESCO 2001 Convention is an international treaty aimed exclusively at the protection of underwater cultural heritage and the facilitation of international cooperation in this regard. It does not change sovereignty rights of States or regulate the ownership of wrecks or submerged ruins.[\\[35\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-35)\n\nIn 2011, the most valuable cargo of a sunken shipwreck was identified near the western edge of the [Celtic Sea](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Celtic_Sea \"Celtic Sea\"). This World War II era sinking of [*Gairsoppa*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SS_Gairsoppa \"SS Gairsoppa\") led to a treasure almost three miles (16,000 ft; 4,800 m) deep.[\\[36\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_note-36)\n\nA U.S. federal court and a panel from the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit have upheld the Spanish claim to the contents of the ship [*Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Spanish_frigate_Nuestra_Se%C3%B1ora_de_las_Mercedes \"Spanish frigate Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes\"); Spain took control of the treasure in February 2012. A very small number of coins and effects recovered from the ship were deposited in Gibraltar, because they showed clear signs coherent with an internal explosion on the ship and thus confirmed Spanish claims to the wreck being that of the *Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes*. They were not returned to Spain until 2013, when a court finally ordered Odyssey Marine to return the missing pieces.\n\nArchaeologist [Valerios Stais](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Valerios_Stais \"Valerios Stais\") discovered one of the most notable instruments of time keeping and prediction of celestial events off the coast of the Greek island Antikythera on May 17, 1902. The device, known as the [Antikythera Mechanism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Antikythera_Mechanism \"Antikythera Mechanism\"), is perhaps the earliest example of what would be known as today as an [analog computer](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Analog_computer \"Analog computer\"), and the technology it encompasses predates any other recorded description by hundreds or thousands of years.\n\n- [![Shipwreck on a shore near Gytheio, Greece](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Shipwreck_sis.png\/120px-Shipwreck_sis.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Shipwreck_sis.png \"Shipwreck on a shore near Gytheio, Greece\")\n  Shipwreck on a shore near [Gytheio](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gytheio \"Gytheio\"), [Greece](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Greece \"Greece\")\n- [![Wrecked fishing boats in Finnmark, North Norway](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Wrecked_fishing_boats%2C_Finnmark.jpg\/120px-Wrecked_fishing_boats%2C_Finnmark.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Wrecked_fishing_boats,_Finnmark.jpg \"Wrecked fishing boats in Finnmark, North Norway\")\n  Wrecked fishing boats in [Finnmark](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Finnmark \"Finnmark\"), North [Norway](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Norway \"Norway\")\n- [![The ferry Assalama wrecked off of Tarfaya, Morocco](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Assalama.jpg\/120px-Assalama.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Assalama.jpg \"The ferry Assalama wrecked off of Tarfaya, Morocco\")\n  The ferry *Assalama* wrecked off of [Tarfaya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tarfaya \"Tarfaya\"), [Morocco](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Morocco \"Morocco\")\n- [![Ship wreck of Maheno, Fraser Island, Australia](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/32\/ShipWreckMahenoFraserIsland.jpg\/120px-ShipWreckMahenoFraserIsland.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:ShipWreckMahenoFraserIsland.jpg \"Ship wreck of Maheno, Fraser Island, Australia\")\n  Ship wreck of [*Maheno*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SS_Maheno \"SS Maheno\"), [Fraser Island](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fraser_Island \"Fraser Island\"), Australia\n- [![Shipwreck of Frotamerica at the west coast of Namibia](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/a4\/FrotamericaShipWreck.jpg\/120px-FrotamericaShipWreck.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:FrotamericaShipWreck.jpg \"Shipwreck of Frotamerica at the west coast of Namibia\")\n  Shipwreck of *Frotamerica* at the west coast of [Namibia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Namibia \"Namibia\")\n- [![A piece of Shipwreck of Portuguese stranded deep sea-takers 1975 Luanda](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/6\/6a\/A_piece_of_Shipwreck.jpg\/120px-A_piece_of_Shipwreck.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:A_piece_of_Shipwreck.jpg \"A piece of Shipwreck of Portuguese stranded deep sea-takers 1975 Luanda\")\n  A piece of Shipwreck of Portuguese stranded deep sea-takers 1975 Luanda\n- [![A Shipwreck in Luanda](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/a\/ae\/A_Piece_of_history.jpg\/120px-A_Piece_of_history.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:A_Piece_of_history.jpg \"A Shipwreck in Luanda\")\n  A Shipwreck in Luanda\n\n- [Lists of shipwrecks](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lists_of_shipwrecks \"Lists of shipwrecks\")\n- [Archaeology of shipwrecks](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Archaeology_of_shipwrecks \"Archaeology of shipwrecks\") – Study of human activity through the analysis of shipwreck artifacts\n- [Abandoned Shipwrecks Act](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Abandoned_Shipwrecks_Act \"Abandoned Shipwrecks Act\") – US legislation\n- [Australasian Underwater Cultural Heritage Database](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australasian_Underwater_Cultural_Heritage_Database \"Australasian Underwater Cultural Heritage Database\") – Online database containing data about shipwrecks and other sunken cultural artefacts\n- [The captain goes down with the ship](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_captain_goes_down_with_the_ship \"The captain goes down with the ship\") – Maritime tradition\n- [Conservation and restoration of shipwreck artifacts](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Conservation_and_restoration_of_shipwreck_artifacts \"Conservation and restoration of shipwreck artifacts\")\n- [Flotsam, jetsam, lagan and derelict](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Flotsam,_jetsam,_lagan_and_derelict \"Flotsam, jetsam, lagan and derelict\") – Specific kinds of property lost or abandoned at sea\n- [Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Historic_Shipwrecks_Act_1976 \"Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976\") – Australian legislation (Superseded by the *[Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Underwater_Cultural_Heritage_Act_2018 \"Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018\")*)\n- [Hulk (ship type)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hulk_\\(ship_type\\) \"Hulk (ship type)\") – Ship that is afloat, but not seagoing\n- [Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nairobi_International_Convention_on_the_Removal_of_Wrecks \"Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks\") – 2007 treaty\n- [Ship graveyard](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ship_graveyard \"Ship graveyard\") – Location where scrapped ships are left\n- [Shipwrecking](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwrecking \"Shipwrecking\") – Event causing a ship to wreck\n- [Second Geneva Convention](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Second_Geneva_Convention \"Second Geneva Convention\") – 1949 treaty\n- [Sinking ships for wreck diving sites](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sinking_ships_for_wreck_diving_sites \"Sinking ships for wreck diving sites\") – Scuttling old ships to produce artificial reefs\n- [Underwater archaeology](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Underwater_archaeology \"Underwater archaeology\") – Study of human activity via evidence found underwater\n- [Wreck diving](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wreck_diving \"Wreck diving\") – Recreational diving on wrecks\n\n1. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-1)** Angela Croome (January 16, 1999). \"[Sinking fast](https:\/\/www.newscientist.com\/article\/mg16121696-000-sinking-fast\/) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20171225203002\/https:\/\/www.newscientist.com\/article\/mg16121696-000-sinking-fast\/) 2017-12-25 at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\")\", New Scientist, Volume 161, Issue 2169, pp. 49.\n2. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-2)** \"Sinking fast\", [Marine Industrial Technology, 1 and 2\/1999](https:\/\/open.unido.org\/api\/documents\/4813394\/download\/MARINE%20INDUSTRIAL%20TECHNOLOGY%201%20AND%202-1999.%20EMERGING%20TECHNOLOGY%20SERIES%20\\(22293.en\\)) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20210224123545\/https:\/\/open.unido.org\/api\/documents\/4813394\/download\/MARINE%20INDUSTRIAL%20TECHNOLOGY%201%20AND%202-1999.%20EMERGING%20TECHNOLOGY%20SERIES%20\\(22293.en\\)) 2021-02-24 at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\"), Emerging Technology Series, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, pp. 58.\n3. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-3)** Lucia Iglesias Kuntz (June 12, 2002), \"[UNESCO urges the Americas to join the underwater heritage convention](http:\/\/portal.unesco.org\/en\/ev.php-URL_ID=3304&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20171226020827\/http:\/\/portal.unesco.org\/en\/ev.php-URL_ID%3D3304%26URL_DO%3DDO_TOPIC%26URL_SECTION%3D201.html) 2017-12-26 at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\")\", UNESCO Media Services.\n4. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-4)** \"[Lisbon Resolution](https:\/\/sha.org\/publication-links\/newsletter\/newsletter-archives\/) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20171225203031\/https:\/\/sha.org\/publication-links\/newsletter\/newsletter-archives\/) 2017-12-25 at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\")\", Society for Historical Archaeology Newsletter, Summer 1999, Volume 32, Number 2, pp. 31.\n5. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-5)**\n   [\"Wrecks and Obstructions Database\"](https:\/\/www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov\/data\/wrecks-and-obstructions.html). *NOAA*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20180405024308\/https:\/\/www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov\/data\/wrecks-and-obstructions.html) from the original on 2018-04-05. Retrieved 2018-04-26.\n6. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-ScurvyDeath2007_6-0)**\n   [*Scurvy, Death and Cannibalism*](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20080306183447\/http:\/\/www.webcastr.com\/videos\/informational\/scurvy-death-and-cannibalism.html) (internet video). Shipwreck Central. 2007. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.webcastr.com\/videos\/informational\/scurvy-death-and-cannibalism.html) on 2008-03-06.\n7. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-7)**\n   Parker, A.J. (1981). \"Stratification and contamination in ancient Mediterranean shipwrecks\". *The International Journal of Nautical Archaeology and Underwater Exploration*. **10** (4): 309–335\\. [doi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Doi_\\(identifier\\) \"Doi (identifier)\"):[10\\.1111\/j.1095-9270.1981.tb00045.x](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111%2Fj.1095-9270.1981.tb00045.x).\n8. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-8)**\n   [\"Final Management Plan\"](http:\/\/thunderbay.noaa.gov\/pdfs\/management%20plan_final.pdf#page=20) (PDF). *Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary*. NOAA. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20151112194943\/http:\/\/thunderbay.noaa.gov\/pdfs\/management%20plan_final.pdf#page=20) (PDF) from the original on 12 November 2015. Retrieved 11 August 2015.\n9. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-9)**\n   [\"Hamilton's War of 1812 shipwrecks 'an archeologist's dream'\"](http:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/news\/canada\/hamilton\/hamilton-s-war-of-1812-shipwrecks-an-archeologist-s-dream-1.1284755). *cbc.ca*. CBC News. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20150924163740\/http:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/news\/canada\/hamilton\/hamilton-s-war-of-1812-shipwrecks-an-archeologist-s-dream-1.1284755) from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 11 August 2015.\n10. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-10)**\n    Dominique (2010). [\"Empress of Ireland (Canada)\"](http:\/\/www.tekdiv.com\/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=56&lang=en). *Tekdiv Exploration*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20140718180718\/http:\/\/www.tekdiv.com\/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=56&lang=en) from the original on 18 July 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2019.\n11. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-11)**\n    Gilman, Sarah (December 5, 2016). [\"How a Ship-Sinking Clam Conquered the Ocean\"](http:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/science-nature\/tunneling-clam-bedeviled-humans-sank-ships-conquered-oceans-180961288\/). *[Smithsonian Mag](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Smithsonian_Mag \"Smithsonian Mag\")*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20190709052941\/https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/science-nature\/tunneling-clam-bedeviled-humans-sank-ships-conquered-oceans-180961288\/) from the original on 9 July 2019. Retrieved 16 March 2019.\n12. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-12)**\n    Steere, Mike (12 May 1996). [\"Superior keeps its shipwrecks fresh Preservation: In the cold, almost sterile water at the bottom of the Great Lake, divers find the remains of marine disasters\"](https:\/\/www.baltimoresun.com\/1996\/05\/12\/superior-keeps-its-shipwrecks-fresh-preservation-in-the-cold-almost-sterile-water-at-the-bottom-of-the-great-lake-divers-find-the-remains-of-marine-disasters\/). *[Baltimore Sun](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Baltimore_Sun \"Baltimore Sun\")*. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20181116061613\/http:\/\/articles.baltimoresun.com\/1996-05-12\/features\/1996133022_1_lake-superior-great-lakes-lakes-shipping) from the original on 16 November 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2015.\n13. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Smithsonian_Ocean_13-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Smithsonian_Ocean_13-1)\n    Spalding, Mark J. (January 2013). [\"Underwater WWII Wrecks – Pollution or Cultural Heritage? \\| Smithsonian Ocean\"](https:\/\/ocean.si.edu\/conservation\/pollution\/underwater-wwii-wrecks-pollution-or-cultural-heritage). Smithsonian Institution. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20240723134206\/https:\/\/ocean.si.edu\/conservation\/pollution\/underwater-wwii-wrecks-pollution-or-cultural-heritage) from the original on 2024-07-23. Retrieved 2022-10-26.\n14. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-14)**\n    Michel, Jacqueline; Schmidt Etkin, Dagmar; Gilbert, Trevor; Urban, Robert; Waldron, Jon; Blocksidge, Charles T. (2005). [\"Potentially Polluting Wrecks in Marine Waters: An Issue Paper Prepared for the 2005 International Oil Spill Conference\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20221006045726\/http:\/\/portal.helcom.fi\/meetings\/SUBMERGED%205-2016-377\/Related%20Information\/Potentially%20Polluting%20Wrecks%20in%20Marine%20Water_Michel_etal_2005.pdf) (PDF). *Helcom*: 8, 11. Archived from [the original](https:\/\/portal.helcom.fi\/meetings\/SUBMERGED%205-2016-377\/Related%20Information\/Potentially%20Polluting%20Wrecks%20in%20Marine%20Water_Michel_etal_2005.pdf) (PDF) on 2022-10-06. Retrieved 2022-10-26.\n15. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Panetta_15-0)**\n    Panetta, L.E. (Chair) (2003). [*America's living oceans: charting a course for sea change*](https:\/\/nauticalcharts.noaa.gov\/hsrp\/admin\/nov2004\/oceans_report.pdf) (PDF). Pew Oceans Commission. p. 64. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20240317004850\/https:\/\/nauticalcharts.noaa.gov\/hsrp\/admin\/nov2004\/oceans_report.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 2024-03-17. Retrieved 2022-10-26.\n16. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-VanLanduyt2022_16-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-VanLanduyt2022_16-1)\n    Van Landuyt, Josefien; Kundu, Kankana; Van Haelst, Sven; Neyts, Marijke; Parmentier, Koen; De Rijcke, Maarten; Boon, Nico (2022-10-18). [\"80 years later: Marine sediments still influenced by an old war ship\"](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389%2Ffmars.2022.1017136). *Frontiers in Marine Science*. **9** 1017136. [doi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Doi_\\(identifier\\) \"Doi (identifier)\"):[10\\.3389\/fmars.2022.1017136](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389%2Ffmars.2022.1017136). [hdl](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hdl_\\(identifier\\) \"Hdl (identifier)\"):[1854\/LU-01GKS4PJA2JJ06GXN0FQHFMB4D](https:\/\/hdl.handle.net\/1854%2FLU-01GKS4PJA2JJ06GXN0FQHFMB4D). [ISSN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISSN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISSN (identifier)\") [2296-7745](https:\/\/search.worldcat.org\/issn\/2296-7745).\n17. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-17)**\n    Brown, Valerie J. (April 2005). [\"Warfare: Iraq's Toxic Shipwrecks\"](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1278500). *Environmental Health Perspectives*. **113** (4): A230. [doi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Doi_\\(identifier\\) \"Doi (identifier)\"):[10\\.1289\/ehp.113-a230](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1289%2Fehp.113-a230). [ISSN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISSN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISSN (identifier)\") [0091-6765](https:\/\/search.worldcat.org\/issn\/0091-6765). [PMC](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/PMC_\\(identifier\\) \"PMC (identifier)\") [1278500](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1278500). [PMID](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/PMID_\\(identifier\\) \"PMID (identifier)\") [15811816](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/15811816).\n18. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Sven_2020_18-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Sven_2020_18-1)\n    Sven, Van Haelst (2020). Mees, Jan; Seys, Jan (eds.). [\"North Sea Wrecks: A future decision support tool for blue growth activities\"](https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/342657720). *Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee – Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ)*. **84**: 83 – via ResearchGate.\n19. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Termote_2009_19-0)**\n    Termote, Tomas; Termote, Dirk (2009). *Schatten en Scheepswrakken: boeiende onderwaterarcheologie in de Noordzee* (in Dutch). Davidsfonds Leuven.\n20. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-2) [***d***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-3) [***e***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-4) [***f***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-5) [***g***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-6) [***h***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-7) [***i***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-8)\n    Edney, Joanne (November 2006). [\"Impacts of Recreational Scuba Diving on Shipwrecks in Australia and the Pacific - A Review\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20210225221039\/https:\/\/webarchive.nla.gov.au\/tep\/65664). *Micronesian Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences*. **5** (1\/2 Combined). Albury NSW, Australia: Heritage Futures International. [ISSN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISSN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISSN (identifier)\") [1449-7336](https:\/\/search.worldcat.org\/issn\/1449-7336). Archived from [the original](https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/242540533_Impacts_of_recreational_scuba_diving_on_shipwrecks_in_Australia_and_the_Pacific_A_review) on 2021-02-25. Retrieved 2020-03-16.\n21. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-21)** For example, under English law the former were dealt with under rules relating to things found on land, the latter were dealt with under Admiralty jurisdiction.\n22. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-22)**\n    White, Stephen F. (5 October 2001). [\"Treasure Salvage: Finders Keepers?\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20150917131032\/http:\/\/www.wcslaw.com\/news\/2001\/10\/05\/treasure-salvage-finders-keepers\/). *wcslaw.com*. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.wcslaw.com\/news\/2001\/10\/05\/treasure-salvage-finders-keepers\/) on 17 September 2015. Retrieved 16 March 2019.\n23. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-23)**\n    Berger, Philip E.; Moore, Tim; McCrory, Pat (18 August 2015). [\"HB 184\"](http:\/\/www.ncleg.net\/Sessions\/2015\/Bills\/House\/PDF\/H184v7.pdf) (PDF). *[General Assembly of North Carolina](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/General_Assembly_of_North_Carolina \"General Assembly of North Carolina\")*. p. 6. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20150928013307\/http:\/\/www.ncleg.net\/Sessions\/2015\/Bills\/House\/PDF\/H184v7.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 28 September 2015. Retrieved 16 March 2019.\n24. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-24)** For example, the US [Abandoned Shipwrecks Act](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Abandoned_Shipwrecks_Act \"Abandoned Shipwrecks Act\") 1987 and the Spanish Estatuto No 60\/62, 24 December 1962\n25. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-25)** *Robinson v Western Australian Museum* (1977) 51 ALJR 806 at 820-821, although significantly the court held that it had not been abandoned despite the fact the ship, the *Gilt Dragon*, was lost in 1656.\n26. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-26)** N. Rt. 346 (1970 N.D. 107), per Eckhoff J. ([Supreme Court of Norway](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Supreme_Court_of_Norway \"Supreme Court of Norway\")), \"It is possible that an owner's inactivity over a long period of time, taking into account the circumstances, can be sufficient reason for considering that the proprietary right to the wrecked vessel has been relinquished. ... \\[But\\] inactivity over a certain number of years cannot in itself be conclusive.\"\n27. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-27)** In *Treasure Salvors Inc. v Unidentified Wreck* \\[1978\\] AMC 1404, \\[1981\\] AMC 1857 relating to [the *Atocha*](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Spanish_ship_Nuestra_Se%C3%B1ora_de_Atocha_\\(1620\\) \"Spanish ship Nuestra Señora de Atocha (1620)\") the courts treated the wreck and cargo as abandoned, arguing it would be an \"absurd fiction\" to regard a centuries-old shipwreck as still owned by the original owner. But in *Columbus America Discovery Groupo v Unidentified Wreck* \\[1990\\] AMC 2409, (1992) 337 LMNL 1 the courts were prepared to uphold the claims of the original insurers to the cargo subject to their providing the necessary proof, which they were unable to do.\n28. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-28)**\n    [\"Napoli 'scavenging' beach to open\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20070317035032\/http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/1\/hi\/england\/devon\/6450219.stm). *[BBC News](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/BBC_News \"BBC News\")*. [BBC](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/BBC \"BBC\"). 14 March 2007. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/1\/hi\/england\/devon\/6450219.stm) on 17 March 2007. Retrieved 19 September 2009.\n29. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-29)**\n    [\"ROW- The reporting process\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20080225222905\/http:\/\/www.mcga.gov.uk\/c4mca\/mcga-environmental\/mcga-dops_row_receiver_of_wreck\/mcga-dops_row_report.htm). *[Maritime and Coastguard Agency](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maritime_and_Coastguard_Agency \"Maritime and Coastguard Agency\")*. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.mcga.gov.uk\/c4mca\/mcga-environmental\/mcga-dops_row_receiver_of_wreck\/mcga-dops_row_report.htm) on 25 February 2008. Retrieved 18 May 2013.\n30. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-30)**\n    [\"Wreck and salvage law - Detailed guidance\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20110128191037\/http:\/\/www.mcga.gov.uk\/c4mca\/mcga-environmental\/mcga-dops_row_receiver_of_wreck\/mcga-dops_row_penalties.htm). *[Maritime and Coastguard Agency](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maritime_and_Coastguard_Agency \"Maritime and Coastguard Agency\")*. 14 September 2012. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.mcga.gov.uk\/c4mca\/mcga-environmental\/mcga-dops_row_receiver_of_wreck\/mcga-dops_row_penalties.htm) on 28 January 2011. Retrieved 17 September 2015.\n31. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-31)**\n    [\"Structural failure of container vessel MSC Napoli and subsequent beaching Marine Accident Investigation Branch report\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20071018170141\/http:\/\/mcga.gov.uk\/c4mca\/mcga-newsroom\/incident\/dops_-_hq-napoli_15_february_.htm). *[Maritime and Coastguard Agency](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maritime_and_Coastguard_Agency \"Maritime and Coastguard Agency\")*. 18 January 2007. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.mcga.gov.uk\/c4mca\/mcga-newsroom\/incident\/dops_-_hq-napoli_15_february_.htm) on 18 October 2007. Retrieved 17 September 2015.\n32. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-32)**\n    [\"What Lies Beneath\"](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/worldservice\/documentaries\/2008\/08\/080821_what_lies_beneath.shtml). *[BBC Radio World Service](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/BBC_Radio_World_Service \"BBC Radio World Service\") Broadcast*. [Bbc.co.uk](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bbc.co.uk \"Bbc.co.uk\"). 22 August 2008. [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20170106092046\/http:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/worldservice\/documentaries\/2008\/08\/080821_what_lies_beneath.shtml) from the original on 6 January 2017. Retrieved 19 September 2009.\n33. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-33)**\n    Schuster, Angela M.H. (May–June 1979). [\"Blackbeard's Flagship\"](http:\/\/archive.archaeology.org\/9705\/newsbriefs\/blackbeard.html). *Archaeology Magazine Archive*. [Archaeological Institute of America](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Archaeological_Institute_of_America \"Archaeological Institute of America\"). [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20150827035802\/http:\/\/archive.archaeology.org\/9705\/newsbriefs\/blackbeard.html) from the original on 27 August 2015. Retrieved 17 September 2015.\n34. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-34)**\n    [\"Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage\"](https:\/\/wayback.archive-it.org\/all\/20080815180246\/http:\/\/portal.unesco.org\/culture\/en\/ev.php-URL_ID=34114&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html). *[UNESCO](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/UNESCO \"UNESCO\")*. 2001. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/portal.unesco.org\/culture\/en\/ev.php-URL_ID=34114&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html) on 15 August 2008. Retrieved 19 September 2009.\n35. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-35)**\n    Roberts, Hayley (2018). [\"The British Ratification of the Underwater Heritage Convention: Problems and Prospects\"](https:\/\/research.bangor.ac.uk\/portal\/en\/researchoutputs\/the-british-ratification-of-the-underwater-heritage-convention-problems-and-prospects\\(5d0f3e40-6d37-42bb-805c-8de96b82dbae\\).html). *International & Comparative Law Quarterly*. **67** (4): 833–865\\. [doi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Doi_\\(identifier\\) \"Doi (identifier)\"):[10\\.1017\/S0020589318000210](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1017%2FS0020589318000210). [ISSN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISSN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISSN (identifier)\") [0020-5893](https:\/\/search.worldcat.org\/issn\/0020-5893). [S2CID](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/S2CID_\\(identifier\\) \"S2CID (identifier)\") [149780539](https:\/\/api.semanticscholar.org\/CorpusID:149780539). [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20200610223253\/https:\/\/research.bangor.ac.uk\/portal\/en\/researchoutputs\/the-british-ratification-of-the-underwater-heritage-convention-problems-and-prospects\\(5d0f3e40-6d37-42bb-805c-8de96b82dbae\\).html) from the original on 2020-06-10. Retrieved 2020-05-23.\n36. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shipwreck#cite_ref-36)**\n    Hogan, C.Michael (27 September 2011). [\"SS Gairsoppa recovery\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20130604011024\/http:\/\/www.eoearth.org\/article\/SS_Gairsoppa_recovery?topic=49523). In Saundry, Peter; Cleveland, C.J. (eds.). *[Encyclopedia of Earth](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Encyclopedia_of_Earth \"Encyclopedia of Earth\")*. Washington DC: [National Council for Science and the Environment](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Council_for_Science_and_the_Environment \"National Council for Science and the Environment\"). Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.eoearth.org\/article\/SS_Gairsoppa_recovery?topic=49523) on 4 June 2013. Retrieved 16 March 2019.\n\n- Jamieson, Alan G. (2022), *Out of the Depths: A History of Shipwrecks*, Reaktion Books, [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  [9781789146196](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9781789146196 \"Special:BookSources\/9781789146196\")\n\n- Larn, Richard; Larn, Bridget; Lloyd's Register of Shipping (1995), *Shipwreck index of the British Isles*, Lloyd's Register of Shipping\n  ; Vol.1 - The South West [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  [0-900528-88-5](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/0-900528-88-5 \"Special:BookSources\/0-900528-88-5\")\n  ; Vol.2 - The South Coast,[ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  [0-900528-99-0](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/0-900528-99-0 \"Special:BookSources\/0-900528-99-0\")\n  ; Vol.3 - The East Coast,[ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  [1-900839-10-5](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/1-900839-10-5 \"Special:BookSources\/1-900839-10-5\")\n  ; Vol.4 - Scotland, [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  [1-900839-01-6](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/1-900839-01-6 \"Special:BookSources\/1-900839-01-6\")\n  ; Vol.5 - West Coast & Wales, [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  [1-900839-61-X](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/1-900839-61-X \"Special:BookSources\/1-900839-61-X\")\n  ; Vol. 6- Ireland (all) [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  [1-900839-03-2](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/1-900839-03-2 \"Special:BookSources\/1-900839-03-2\")\n- Muckenhaupt, P. G. (2018), *Treasure Pirates Shipwrecks Gold and Silver*, Amazon Digital Services LLC\n  [ISBN](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISBN_\\(identifier\\) \"ISBN (identifier)\")\n  [9781729469668](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/9781729469668 \"Special:BookSources\/9781729469668\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Commons-logo.svg\/40px-Commons-logo.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Commons-logo.svg)\n\nWikimedia Commons has media related to [Shipwrecks](https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Shipwrecks \"commons:Category:Shipwrecks\").\n\n- [UNESCO 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage](https:\/\/wayback.archive-it.org\/all\/20080815180246\/http:\/\/portal.unesco.org\/culture\/en\/ev.php-URL_ID=34114&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html)\n- [WreckSite.eu](http:\/\/www.wrecksite.eu\/), worldwide database of + 105,000 wrecks with history, maritime charts and GPS positions (subscription required) (in Dutch, English, French, German, and Spanish)\n- [NOAA Wrecks and Obstructions Database](http:\/\/www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov\/hsd\/wrecks_and_obstructions.html) [Archived](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20210723033310\/https:\/\/www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov\/hsd\/wrecks_and_obstructions.html) 2021-07-23 at the [Wayback Machine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wayback_Machine \"Wayback Machine\")\n- [Wreck Diving in the Graveyard of the Atlantic](http:\/\/www.nc-wreckdiving.com\/)\n- [Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary](http:\/\/thunderbay.noaa.gov\/welcome.html)\n- [Battle Over Shipwreck Photos Brews in N.C.](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20150816004056\/http:\/\/www.courthousenews.com\/2015\/08\/12\/battle-over-shipwreck-photos-brews-in-n-c.htm), Courthouse News\n- [N.C Supreme Court revives lawsuit over Blackbeard's ship and lost Spanish treasure ship](https:\/\/www.fayobserver.com\/news\/20191111\/nc-supreme-court-revives-lawsuit-over-blackbeards-ship-and-lost-spanish-treasure-ship), Fayetteville Observer","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck
Last Crawled	2026-03-11 01:59:33 (1 month ago)
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Boilerpipe Text	The shipwreck of SS American Star on the shore of Fuerteventura in 2004 A sonar image of the shipwreck of the Soviet Navy ship Virsaitis in Estonian waters Johan Christian Dahl : Shipwreck on the Norwegian Coast , 1832 Bow of RMS Titanic , first discovered in 1985 Wreck of Costa Concordia A shipwreck is the wreckage of a ship that is either beached on land or sunken to the bottom of a body of water. It results from the event of shipwrecking , which may be intentional or unintentional. There were approximately three million shipwrecks worldwide as of January 1999, according to Angela Croome, a science writer and author who specialized in the history of underwater archaeology [ 1 ] (an estimate rapidly endorsed by UNESCO [ 2 ] [ 3 ] and other organizations [ 4 ] ). When a ship's crew has died or abandoned the ship, and the ship has remained adrift but unsunk, they are instead referred to as ghost ships . The 1626 Sparrow-Hawk wreck is displayed at the Pilgrim Hall Museum in Plymouth , Massachusetts Historic wrecks are attractive to maritime archaeologists because they preserve historical information: for example, studying the wreck of Mary Rose revealed information about seafaring, warfare, and life in the 16th century. Military wrecks, caused by a skirmish at sea, are studied to find details about the historic event; they reveal much about the battle that occurred. Discoveries of treasure ships , often from the period of European colonisation , which sank in remote locations leaving few living witnesses, such as Batavia , do occur as well. Environmental hazards [ edit ] Some contemporary wrecks, such as the oil tanker Prestige or Erika , are of interest primarily because of their potential harm to the environment. Hazards to navigation [ edit ] Artificial reefs and dive sites [ edit ] Other contemporary wrecks are scuttled in order to spur reef growth, such as Adolphus Busch and Ocean Freeze . Many contemporary and historic wrecks, such as Thistlegorm , are of interest to recreational divers that dive to shipwrecks because they are interesting to explore, provide large habitats for many types of marine life, and have an interesting history. Well known incidents and disasters [ edit ] Well-known shipwrecks include the catastrophic Titanic , MV Doña Paz , Britannic , Lusitania , Estonia , Empress of Ireland , Andrea Doria , Endurance , Costa Concordia , HMS Pandora and SS Waratah . Abandoned or scuttled derelicts [ edit ] There are also thousands of wrecks that were not lost at sea but have been abandoned or sunk. These abandoned, or derelict ships are typically smaller craft, such as fishing vessels. They may pose a hazard to navigation [ 5 ] and may be removed by port authorities . [ 6 ] County of Peebles , used as breakwater in Punta Arenas at the Strait of Magellan Poor design, improperly stowed cargo , navigation and other human errors leading to collisions (with another ship, the shoreline, an iceberg, etc.), inadequate maintenance, bad weather, fire , and other causes can lead to accidental sinking. Intentional reasons for sinking a ship include: intending to form an artificial reef ; destruction due to warfare , piracy , mutiny or sabotage ; using the vessel for target practice ; or removing a hazard to navigation . A scuttled ship can be also used as breakwater structure or to deny or restrict access to an area to other shipping. Shipwrecks are widely distributed, but are concentrated where there is more shipping and more navigational hazards . Some shipwrecks have been recorded and the circumstances of loss may be known. other ships have disappeared without trace and are assumed to have been wrecked. State of preservation [ edit ] Vasa is one of the oldest and best-preserved ships salvaged in the world, owing to the cool temperatures and low salinity of the Baltic Sea Many factors determine the state of preservation of a wreck: the ship's construction materials the wreck becoming covered in sand or silt the salinity of the water the wreck is in the level of destruction involved in the ship's loss whether the components or cargo of the wreck were salvaged whether the wreck was demolished to clear a navigable channel the depth of water at the wreck site the strength of tidal currents or wave action at the wreck site the exposure to surface weather conditions at the wreck site the presence of marine life that consume the ship's fabric temperature the acidity (or pH ), and other chemical characteristics of the water at the site The above - especially the stratification (silt/sand sediments piled up on the shipwrecks) and the damages caused by marine creatures - is better described as "stratification and contamination" of shipwrecks. The stratification not only creates another challenge for marine archaeology, but also a challenge to determine its primary state, i.e. the state that it was in when it sank. Stratification includes several different types of sand and silt, as well as tumulus and encrustations. These "sediments" are tightly linked to the type of currents, depth, and the type of water (salinity, pH, etc.), which implies any chemical reactions that would affect potential cargo (such as wine, olive oil, spices, etc.). Besides this geological phenomenon, wrecks also face the damage of marine creatures that create a home out of them, primarily octopuses and crustaceans. These creatures affect the primary state because they move, or break, any parts of the shipwreck that are in their way, thereby affecting the original condition of amphorae , for example, or any other hollow places. Finally, in addition to the slight or severe destruction marine animals can create, there are also "external" contaminants, such as the artifacts on and around the wreck at Pickles Reef and the over-lapping wrecks at the Molasses Reef Wreck , or contemporary pollution in bodies of water, that severely affect shipwrecks by changing the chemical structures, or further damaging what is left of a specific ship. Despite these challenges, if the information retrieved does not appear to be sufficient, [ further explanation needed ] or a poor preservation is achieved, authors like J.A. Parker claim that it is the historical value of the shipwreck [ further explanation needed ] that counts as well as any slight piece of information or evidence that is acquired. [ 7 ] Construction materials [ edit ] The Wreck, by Knud-Andreassen Baade c. 1835 Exposed wooden components decay quickly. [ citation needed ] Often the only wooden parts of ships that remain after a century are those that were buried in silt or sand soon after the sinking. An example of this is Mary Rose . Steel and iron , depending on their thickness, may retain the ship's structure for decades. As corrosion takes place, sometimes accelerated by tides and weather, the structure collapses. Thicker ferrous objects such as cannons , boilers or the pressure vessel of a submarine generall survive longer underwater in spite of corrosion. Propellers , condensers , hinges and portholes were often made from non-ferrous metals such as brass and bronze , which do not corrode easily. Fresh and low salinity water [ edit ] Shipwrecks in some freshwater lakes, such as the Great Lakes of North America, have remained intact with little degradation. In some sea areas, most notably in Gulf of Bothnia and Gulf of Finland , salinity is very low, and centuries-old wrecks have been preserved in reasonable condition. However, bacteria found in fresh water can cause the wood of wrecked ships to rot more quickly than in seawater unless it is deprived of oxygen. [ 8 ] Two shipwrecks, USS Hamilton and USS Scourge , have been at the bottom of Lake Ontario since they sunk during a violent storm on August 8, 1813, during the War of 1812 . They are in "remarkably good" condition. [ 9 ] Wrecks typically decay rapidly when in seawater . There are several reasons for this: Iron -based metals corrode much more quickly in seawater because of the dissolved salt present; the sodium and chloride ions chemically accelerate the process of metal oxidation which, in the case of ferrous metals, leads to rust . Such cases are prominent on deep-water shipwrecks, such as RMS Titanic (sank 1912), RMS Lusitania (sank 1915), and German battleship Bismarck (sank 1941). However, there are some exceptions; RMS Empress of Ireland (sank 1914) lies in the saltwater portion of the St. Lawrence River , but is still in remarkably good condition. [ 10 ] Unprotected wood in seawater is rapidly consumed by shipworms and small wood-boring sea creatures. Shipworms found in higher salinity waters, such as the Caribbean , are notorious for boring into wooden structures that are immersed in sea water and can completely destroy the hull of a wooden shipwreck. [ 11 ] Loss, salvage, and demolition [ edit ] The shipwreck of SS Austria on 13 September 1858 An important factor in the condition of the wreck is the level of destruction at the time of the loss or shortly afterwards due to the nature of the loss, salvage or later demolition. Examples of severe destruction at the time of loss are: Being blown onto a beach, reef, or rocks during a storm, termed "grounding" (e.g., Royal Adelaide ) Collision with another ship (e.g., Andrea Doria ) Catastrophic explosion (e.g., HMS Hood ), steamship boilers often explode when water covers them during the process of sinking Fire that burns for a long time before the ship sinks (e.g., Achille Lauro ) Foundering, i.e., taking in so much water that buoyancy is lost and the ship sinks (e.g., RMS Titanic and HMHS Britannic ); some ships with a dense cargo (e.g., iron ore) may break up when sinking quickly and hitting a rocky seabed Enemy action from aerial bombs or torpedoes that may cause destruction before sinking (e.g., the Italian battleship Roma and HMS Barham ) After the loss, the vessel's owners may attempt to salvage valuable parts of the ship and its cargo. This operation can cause further damage. Shipwrecks in shallow water near busy shipping lanes are often demolished or removed to reduce the danger to other vessels. On charts, some wreck symbols have a line under the symbol with a depth mark, which indicates the water depth above the wreck. Depth, tide and weather [ edit ] On the seabed, wrecks are slowly broken up by the forces of wave action caused by the weather and currents caused by tides . More highly oxygenated water promotes corrosion , which reduces the strength of ferrous structural materials of the ship. Deeper wrecks may be protected by less exposure to water movement and by lower levels of oxygen in water. Extreme cold (such as in a glacial-fed lake, Arctic waters, the Great Lakes , etc.) slows the degradation of ship materials. Decay, corrosion and marine encrustation are inhibited in cold waters. [ 12 ] Many modern shipwrecks contribute to marine pollution , mainly as sources of significant oil spills . [ 13 ] A 2005 survey of shipwrecks since 1890 found that over 8,500 of the submerged wrecks may still contain oil. [ 14 ] Oil spills can have devastating effects on marine and coastal environments as well as fisheries. In addition to being toxic to marine life, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), found in crude oil , are very difficult to clean up, and last for years in the sediment and marine environment. [ 15 ] [ 16 ] Shipwreck pollution may also originate with a ship's cargo or munitions, [ 13 ] such as unexploded ordnance or chemical weapons canisters. [ 17 ] German trawler V 1302 John Mahn , sunk in the North Sea in 1942, [ 18 ] [ 19 ] has multiple unexploded depth charges on board which render the wreck hazardous. [ 18 ] Samples taken from the wreck and nearby sediment show the presence of heavy metals like nickel and copper, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, arsenic and explosive compounds, which have changed the local microbial ecology. [ 16 ] Natural deterioration process [ edit ] Propeller amongst corals Iron and steel wrecks are subject to corrosion, which is most rapid in shallow sea water where the salinity induces galvanic corrosion, oxygen content is high and water movement replenishes the oxygen rapidly. In deeper water and in still water the corrosion rates can be greatly reduced. Corrosion rates of iron and steel are also reduced when concretions, solid layers of rust, or layers of marine organisms separate the metal from the ambient water, and encourage the development of a layer of relatively stable black oxide in the hypoxic layers. [ 20 ] A shipwreck may have value in several forms: [ 20 ] Cultural heritage, [ 20 ] Recreational diving and other tourism attraction [ 20 ] Scientific, educational and monetary values [ 20 ] Artificial reefs [ 20 ] Monetary value of salvageable cargo and components [ 20 ] Often, attempts are made to salvage shipwrecks, particularly those recently wrecked, to recover the whole or part of the ship, its cargo, or its equipment. An example was the salvage of the scuttled German High Seas Fleet at Scapa Flow in the 1920s and 1930s. The unauthorized salvage of wrecks is called wrecking . Shipwreck law determines important legal questions regarding wrecks, perhaps the most important question being the question of ownership. Legally wrecks are divided into wreccum maris (material washed ashore after a shipwreck) and adventurae maris (material still at sea), [ 21 ] which are treated differently by some, but not all, legal systems. Viewing at Christie's auction in Amsterdam for the cargo of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) ship Geldermalsen (1747) Wrecks are often considered separately from their cargo. For example, in the British case of Lusitania [1986] QB 384 it was accepted that the remains of the vessel itself were owned by the insurance underwriters who had paid out on the vessel as a total loss by virtue of the law of subrogation (who subsequently sold their rights), but that the property aboard the wreck still belonged to its original owners or their heirs. Military wrecks, however, remain under the jurisdiction – and hence protection – of the government that lost the ship, or that government's successor. Hence, a German U-boat from World War II still technically belongs to the German government, although Nazi Germany (the government at the time) is long-defunct. Many military wrecks are also protected by virtue of being war graves . However, many legal systems allow the rights of salvors to override the rights of the original owners of a wreck or its cargo. As a general rule, non-historic civilian shipwrecks are considered fair game for salvage. Under international maritime law , for shipwrecks of a certain age, the original owner may have lost all claim to the cargo. Anyone who finds the wreck can then file a salvage claim on it and place a lien on the vessel, and subsequently mount a salvage operation (see Finders, keepers ). [ 22 ] The State of North Carolina questionably claims "all photographs, video recordings, or other documentary materials of a derelict vessel or shipwreck or its contents, relics, artifacts, or historic materials in the custody of any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions" to be its property. [ 23 ] Some countries assert claims to all wrecks within their territorial waters, irrespective of the interest of the original owner or the salvor. [ 24 ] MSC Napoli beached off Branscombe Some legal systems regard a wreck and its cargo to be abandoned if no attempt is made to salvage them within a certain period of time. English law has usually resisted this notion (encouraged by an extremely large maritime insurance industry, which asserts claims in respect of shipwrecks which it has paid claims on), but it has been accepted to a greater or lesser degree in an Australian case [ 25 ] and in a Norwegian case. [ 26 ] The American courts have been inconsistent between states and at federal level. [ 27 ] Under Danish law, all shipwrecks over 150 years old belong to the state if no owner can be found. [ citation needed ] In Spain, wrecks vest in the state if not salvaged within 3 years. [ citation needed ] In Finland, all property on board shipwrecks over 100 years old vests in the state. [ citation needed ] The British Protection of Wrecks Act , enacted to protect historic wrecks, controls access to wrecks such as Cattewater Wreck which can only be visited or investigated under licence. The British Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 also restricts access to wrecks which are sensitive as war graves . The Protection of Military Remains Act in some cases creates a blanket ban on all diving; for other wrecks divers may visit provided they do not touch, interfere with or penetrate the wreck. In the United States, shipwrecks in state waters are regulated by the Abandoned Shipwrecks Act of 1987. This act is much more lenient in allowing more open access to the shipwrecks. Following the beaching of MSC Napoli , as a result of severe damage incurred during European storm Kyrill , there was confusion in the press and by the authorities about whether people could be prevented from helping themselves to the flotsam which was washed up on the beaches at Branscombe . Many people took advantage of the confusion and helped themselves to the cargo. This included many BMW motorbikes and empty wine casks as well as bags of disposable nappies ( diapers ). [ 28 ] The legal position under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 is that any such finds and recovery must be reported within 28 days to the Receiver of Wreck . [ 29 ] Failure to do so is an offence under the Merchant Shipping Act and can result in a criminal record for theft by finding . [ 30 ] After several days, the police and Receiver of Wreck, in conjunction with the landowner and the contracted salvors , established a cordon to prevent access to the beach. [ 31 ] A similar situation occurred after the wreck of Cita in 1997. Historic wrecks (often but not always defined as being more than 50 years of age) are often protected from pillaging and looting through national laws protecting cultural heritage. [ 32 ] Internationally they may be protected by a State ratifying the Unesco Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage . In this case pillaging is not allowed. One such example is Queen Anne's Revenge [ 33 ] which is undergoing archaeological recovery by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources near Beaufort Inlet, NC. An important international convention aiming at the protection of underwater cultural heritage (including shipwrecks) is the Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage. [ 34 ] The 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage represents the international community's response to the increasing looting and destruction of underwater cultural heritage. It forms part of a group of UNESCO standard setting instruments regarding the domain of cultural heritage, encompassing seven conventions adopted by UNESCO Member States, which constitute a coherent and complementary body guaranteeing a complete protection of all forms of cultural heritage. The UNESCO 2001 Convention is an international treaty aimed exclusively at the protection of underwater cultural heritage and the facilitation of international cooperation in this regard. It does not change sovereignty rights of States or regulate the ownership of wrecks or submerged ruins. [ 35 ] In 2011, the most valuable cargo of a sunken shipwreck was identified near the western edge of the Celtic Sea . This World War II era sinking of Gairsoppa led to a treasure almost three miles (16,000 ft; 4,800 m) deep. [ 36 ] A U.S. federal court and a panel from the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit have upheld the Spanish claim to the contents of the ship Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes ; Spain took control of the treasure in February 2012. A very small number of coins and effects recovered from the ship were deposited in Gibraltar, because they showed clear signs coherent with an internal explosion on the ship and thus confirmed Spanish claims to the wreck being that of the Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes . They were not returned to Spain until 2013, when a court finally ordered Odyssey Marine to return the missing pieces. Archaeologist Valerios Stais discovered one of the most notable instruments of time keeping and prediction of celestial events off the coast of the Greek island Antikythera on May 17, 1902. The device, known as the Antikythera Mechanism , is perhaps the earliest example of what would be known as today as an analog computer , and the technology it encompasses predates any other recorded description by hundreds or thousands of years. Shipwreck on a shore near Gytheio , Greece Wrecked fishing boats in Finnmark , North Norway The ferry Assalama wrecked off of Tarfaya , Morocco Ship wreck of Maheno , Fraser Island , Australia Shipwreck of Frotamerica at the west coast of Namibia A piece of Shipwreck of Portuguese stranded deep sea-takers 1975 Luanda A Shipwreck in Luanda Lists of shipwrecks Archaeology of shipwrecks – Study of human activity through the analysis of shipwreck artifacts Abandoned Shipwrecks Act – US legislation Australasian Underwater Cultural Heritage Database – Online database containing data about shipwrecks and other sunken cultural artefacts The captain goes down with the ship – Maritime tradition Conservation and restoration of shipwreck artifacts Flotsam, jetsam, lagan and derelict – Specific kinds of property lost or abandoned at sea Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 – Australian legislation (Superseded by the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018 ) Hulk (ship type) – Ship that is afloat, but not seagoing Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks – 2007 treaty Ship graveyard – Location where scrapped ships are left Shipwrecking – Event causing a ship to wreck Second Geneva Convention – 1949 treaty Sinking ships for wreck diving sites – Scuttling old ships to produce artificial reefs Underwater archaeology – Study of human activity via evidence found underwater Wreck diving – Recreational diving on wrecks ^ Angela Croome (January 16, 1999). " Sinking fast Archived 2017-12-25 at the Wayback Machine ", New Scientist, Volume 161, Issue 2169, pp. 49. ^ "Sinking fast", Marine Industrial Technology, 1 and 2/1999 Archived 2021-02-24 at the Wayback Machine , Emerging Technology Series, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, pp. 58. ^ Lucia Iglesias Kuntz (June 12, 2002), " UNESCO urges the Americas to join the underwater heritage convention Archived 2017-12-26 at the Wayback Machine ", UNESCO Media Services. ^ " Lisbon Resolution Archived 2017-12-25 at the Wayback Machine ", Society for Historical Archaeology Newsletter, Summer 1999, Volume 32, Number 2, pp. 31. ^ "Wrecks and Obstructions Database" . NOAA . Archived from the original on 2018-04-05 . Retrieved 2018-04-26 . ^ Scurvy, Death and Cannibalism (internet video). Shipwreck Central. 2007. Archived from the original on 2008-03-06. ^ Parker, A.J. (1981). "Stratification and contamination in ancient Mediterranean shipwrecks". The International Journal of Nautical Archaeology and Underwater Exploration . 10 (4): 309– 335. doi : 10.1111/j.1095-9270.1981.tb00045.x . ^ "Final Management Plan" (PDF) . Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary . NOAA. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 November 2015 . Retrieved 11 August 2015 . ^ "Hamilton's War of 1812 shipwrecks 'an archeologist's dream' " . cbc.ca . CBC News. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015 . Retrieved 11 August 2015 . ^ Dominique (2010). "Empress of Ireland (Canada)" . Tekdiv Exploration . Archived from the original on 18 July 2014 . Retrieved 16 March 2019 . ^ Gilman, Sarah (December 5, 2016). "How a Ship-Sinking Clam Conquered the Ocean" . Smithsonian Mag . Archived from the original on 9 July 2019 . Retrieved 16 March 2019 . ^ Steere, Mike (12 May 1996). "Superior keeps its shipwrecks fresh Preservation: In the cold, almost sterile water at the bottom of the Great Lake, divers find the remains of marine disasters" . Baltimore Sun . Archived from the original on 16 November 2018 . Retrieved 29 August 2015 . ^ a b Spalding, Mark J. (January 2013). "Underwater WWII Wrecks – Pollution or Cultural Heritage? \| Smithsonian Ocean" . Smithsonian Institution. Archived from the original on 2024-07-23 . Retrieved 2022-10-26 . ^ Michel, Jacqueline; Schmidt Etkin, Dagmar; Gilbert, Trevor; Urban, Robert; Waldron, Jon; Blocksidge, Charles T. (2005). "Potentially Polluting Wrecks in Marine Waters: An Issue Paper Prepared for the 2005 International Oil Spill Conference" (PDF) . Helcom : 8, 11. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2022-10-06 . Retrieved 2022-10-26 . ^ Panetta, L.E. (Chair) (2003). America's living oceans: charting a course for sea change (PDF) . Pew Oceans Commission. p. 64. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2024-03-17 . Retrieved 2022-10-26 . ^ a b Van Landuyt, Josefien; Kundu, Kankana; Van Haelst, Sven; Neyts, Marijke; Parmentier, Koen; De Rijcke, Maarten; Boon, Nico (2022-10-18). "80 years later: Marine sediments still influenced by an old war ship" . Frontiers in Marine Science . 9 1017136. doi : 10.3389/fmars.2022.1017136 . hdl : 1854/LU-01GKS4PJA2JJ06GXN0FQHFMB4D . ISSN 2296-7745 . ^ Brown, Valerie J. (April 2005). "Warfare: Iraq's Toxic Shipwrecks" . Environmental Health Perspectives . 113 (4): A230. doi : 10.1289/ehp.113-a230 . ISSN 0091-6765 . PMC 1278500 . PMID 15811816 . ^ a b Sven, Van Haelst (2020). Mees, Jan; Seys, Jan (eds.). "North Sea Wrecks: A future decision support tool for blue growth activities" . Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee – Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) . 84 : 83 – via ResearchGate. ^ Termote, Tomas; Termote, Dirk (2009). Schatten en Scheepswrakken: boeiende onderwaterarcheologie in de Noordzee (in Dutch). Davidsfonds Leuven. ^ a b c d e f g h i Edney, Joanne (November 2006). "Impacts of Recreational Scuba Diving on Shipwrecks in Australia and the Pacific - A Review" . Micronesian Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences . 5 (1/2 Combined). Albury NSW, Australia: Heritage Futures International. ISSN 1449-7336 . Archived from the original on 2021-02-25 . Retrieved 2020-03-16 . ^ For example, under English law the former were dealt with under rules relating to things found on land, the latter were dealt with under Admiralty jurisdiction. ^ White, Stephen F. (5 October 2001). "Treasure Salvage: Finders Keepers?" . wcslaw.com . Archived from the original on 17 September 2015 . Retrieved 16 March 2019 . ^ Berger, Philip E.; Moore, Tim; McCrory, Pat (18 August 2015). "HB 184" (PDF) . General Assembly of North Carolina . p. 6. Archived (PDF) from the original on 28 September 2015 . Retrieved 16 March 2019 . ^ For example, the US Abandoned Shipwrecks Act 1987 and the Spanish Estatuto No 60/62, 24 December 1962 ^ Robinson v Western Australian Museum (1977) 51 ALJR 806 at 820-821, although significantly the court held that it had not been abandoned despite the fact the ship, the Gilt Dragon , was lost in 1656. ^ N. Rt. 346 (1970 N.D. 107), per Eckhoff J. ( Supreme Court of Norway ), "It is possible that an owner's inactivity over a long period of time, taking into account the circumstances, can be sufficient reason for considering that the proprietary right to the wrecked vessel has been relinquished. ... [But] inactivity over a certain number of years cannot in itself be conclusive." ^ In Treasure Salvors Inc. v Unidentified Wreck [1978] AMC 1404, [1981] AMC 1857 relating to the Atocha the courts treated the wreck and cargo as abandoned, arguing it would be an "absurd fiction" to regard a centuries-old shipwreck as still owned by the original owner. But in Columbus America Discovery Groupo v Unidentified Wreck [1990] AMC 2409, (1992) 337 LMNL 1 the courts were prepared to uphold the claims of the original insurers to the cargo subject to their providing the necessary proof, which they were unable to do. ^ "Napoli 'scavenging' beach to open" . BBC News . BBC . 14 March 2007. Archived from the original on 17 March 2007 . Retrieved 19 September 2009 . ^ "ROW- The reporting process" . Maritime and Coastguard Agency . Archived from the original on 25 February 2008 . Retrieved 18 May 2013 . ^ "Wreck and salvage law - Detailed guidance" . Maritime and Coastguard Agency . 14 September 2012. Archived from the original on 28 January 2011 . Retrieved 17 September 2015 . ^ "Structural failure of container vessel MSC Napoli and subsequent beaching Marine Accident Investigation Branch report" . Maritime and Coastguard Agency . 18 January 2007. Archived from the original on 18 October 2007 . Retrieved 17 September 2015 . ^ "What Lies Beneath" . BBC Radio World Service Broadcast . Bbc.co.uk . 22 August 2008. Archived from the original on 6 January 2017 . Retrieved 19 September 2009 . ^ Schuster, Angela M.H. (May–June 1979). "Blackbeard's Flagship" . Archaeology Magazine Archive . Archaeological Institute of America . Archived from the original on 27 August 2015 . Retrieved 17 September 2015 . ^ "Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage" . UNESCO . 2001. Archived from the original on 15 August 2008 . Retrieved 19 September 2009 . ^ Roberts, Hayley (2018). "The British Ratification of the Underwater Heritage Convention: Problems and Prospects" . International & Comparative Law Quarterly . 67 (4): 833– 865. doi : 10.1017/S0020589318000210 . ISSN 0020-5893 . S2CID 149780539 . Archived from the original on 2020-06-10 . Retrieved 2020-05-23 . ^ Hogan, C.Michael (27 September 2011). "SS Gairsoppa recovery" . In Saundry, Peter; Cleveland, C.J. (eds.). Encyclopedia of Earth . Washington DC: National Council for Science and the Environment . Archived from the original on 4 June 2013 . Retrieved 16 March 2019 . Jamieson, Alan G. (2022), Out of the Depths: A History of Shipwrecks , Reaktion Books, ISBN 9781789146196 Larn, Richard; Larn, Bridget; Lloyd's Register of Shipping (1995), Shipwreck index of the British Isles , Lloyd's Register of Shipping ; Vol.1 - The South West ISBN 0-900528-88-5 ; Vol.2 - The South Coast, ISBN 0-900528-99-0 ; Vol.3 - The East Coast, ISBN 1-900839-10-5 ; Vol.4 - Scotland, ISBN 1-900839-01-6 ; Vol.5 - West Coast & Wales, ISBN 1-900839-61-X ; Vol. 6- Ireland (all) ISBN 1-900839-03-2 Muckenhaupt, P. G. (2018), Treasure Pirates Shipwrecks Gold and Silver , Amazon Digital Services LLC ISBN 9781729469668 Wikimedia Commons has media related to Shipwrecks . UNESCO 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage WreckSite.eu , worldwide database of + 105,000 wrecks with history, maritime charts and GPS positions (subscription required) (in Dutch, English, French, German, and Spanish) NOAA Wrecks and Obstructions Database Archived 2021-07-23 at the Wayback Machine Wreck Diving in the Graveyard of the Atlantic Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Battle Over Shipwreck Photos Brews in N.C. , Courthouse News N.C Supreme Court revives lawsuit over Blackbeard's ship and lost Spanish treasure ship , Fayetteville Observer
Markdown	[Jump to content](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#bodyContent) Main menu Main menu move to sidebar hide Navigation - [Main page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page "Visit the main page [z]") - [Contents](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Contents "Guides to browsing Wikipedia") - [Current events](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Current_events "Articles related to current events") - [Random article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random "Visit a randomly selected article [x]") - [About Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:About "Learn about Wikipedia and how it works") - [Contact us](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Contact_us "How to contact Wikipedia") Contribute - [Help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents "Guidance on how to use and edit Wikipedia") - [Learn to edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Introduction "Learn how to edit Wikipedia") - [Community portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Community_portal "The hub for editors") - [Recent changes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:RecentChanges "A list of recent changes to Wikipedia [r]") - [Upload file](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:File_upload_wizard "Add images or other media for use on Wikipedia") - [Special pages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:SpecialPages "A list of all special pages [q]") [![](https://en.wikipedia.org/static/images/icons/enwiki-25.svg) ![Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/static/images/mobile/copyright/wikipedia-wordmark-en-25.svg) ![The Free Encyclopedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/static/images/mobile/copyright/wikipedia-tagline-en-25.svg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page) [Search](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search "Search Wikipedia [f]") Appearance - [Donate](https://donate.wikimedia.org/?wmf_source=donate&wmf_medium=sidebar&wmf_campaign=en.wikipedia.org&uselang=en) - [Create account](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:CreateAccount&returnto=Shipwreck "You are encouraged to create an account and log in; however, it is not mandatory") - [Log in](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&returnto=Shipwreck "You're encouraged to log in; however, it's not mandatory. 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[o]") ## Contents move to sidebar hide - [(Top)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck) - [1 Types](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#Types) Toggle Types subsection - [1\.1 Historic wrecks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#Historic_wrecks) - [1\.2 Environmental hazards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#Environmental_hazards) - [1\.3 Hazards to navigation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#Hazards_to_navigation) - [1\.4 Artificial reefs and dive sites](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#Artificial_reefs_and_dive_sites) - [1\.5 Well known incidents and disasters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#Well_known_incidents_and_disasters) - [1\.6 Abandoned or scuttled derelicts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#Abandoned_or_scuttled_derelicts) - [2 Causes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#Causes) - [3 Distribution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#Distribution) - [4 State of preservation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#State_of_preservation) Toggle State of preservation subsection - [4\.1 Construction materials](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#Construction_materials) - [4\.2 Salinity of water](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#Salinity_of_water) - [4\.2.1 Fresh and low salinity water](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#Fresh_and_low_salinity_water) - [4\.2.2 Seawater](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#Seawater) - [4\.3 Loss, salvage, and demolition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#Loss,_salvage,_and_demolition) - [4\.4 Depth, tide and weather](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#Depth,_tide_and_weather) - [4\.5 Temperature](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#Temperature) - [5 Marine pollution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#Marine_pollution) - [6 Natural deterioration process](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#Natural_deterioration_process) - [7 Value](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#Value) - [8 Salvage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#Salvage) Toggle Salvage subsection - [8\.1 Legal aspects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#Legal_aspects) - [8\.2 Notable salvages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#Notable_salvages) - [9 Gallery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#Gallery) - [10 See also](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#See_also) - [11 References](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#References) - [12 Further reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#Further_reading) - [13 External links](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#External_links) Toggle the table of contents # Shipwreck 32 languages - [العربية](https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D8%AD%D8%B7%D8%A7%D9%85_%D8%B3%D9%81%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%A9 "حطام سفينة – Arabic") - [Беларуская](https://be.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9A%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%80%D1%83%D1%88%D1%8D%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%B5 "Караблекрушэнне – Belarusian") - [Català](https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derelicte "Derelicte – Catalan") - [Čeština](https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lodn%C3%AD_vrak "Lodní vrak – Czech") - [Cymraeg](https://cy.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llongddrylliad "Llongddrylliad – Welsh") - [Dansk](https://da.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vrag "Vrag – Danish") - [Ελληνικά](https://el.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CE%9D%CE%B1%CF%85%CE%AC%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%BF "Ναυάγιο – Greek") - [Esperanto](https://eo.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9Cipvrako "Ŝipvrako – Esperanto") - [Español](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pecio "Pecio – Spanish") - [Euskara](https://eu.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontzi-hondakin "Ontzi-hondakin – Basque") - [Suomi](https://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hylky "Hylky – Finnish") - [Français](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89pave_\(maritime\) "Épave (maritime) – French") - [Frysk](https://fy.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skipswrak "Skipswrak – Western Frisian") - [עברית](https://he.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D7%90%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%99%D7%99%D7%94_%D7%98%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%A4%D7%94 "אונייה טרופה – Hebrew") - [Hrvatski](https://hr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brodolom "Brodolom – Croatian") - [Bahasa Indonesia](https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangkai_kapal "Bangkai kapal – Indonesian") - [Íslenska](https://is.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skipsflak "Skipsflak – Icelandic") - [Italiano](https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relitto "Relitto – Italian") - [한국어](https://ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/%EB%82%9C%ED%8C%8C%EC%84%A0 "난파선 – Korean") - [Kernowek](https://kw.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwreck_Gorhel "Gwreck Gorhel – Cornish") - [Latina](https://la.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naufragium "Naufragium – Latin") - [Македонски](https://mk.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%BC "Бродолом – Macedonian") - [Nederlands](https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scheepswrak "Scheepswrak – Dutch") - [پنجابی](https://pnb.wikipedia.org/wiki/%DA%A9%D8%B4%D8%AA%DB%8C_%D8%AF%DB%8C_%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%82%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%AA "کشتی دی باقیات – Western Punjabi") - [Português](https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destro%C3%A7o_mar%C3%ADtimo "Destroço marítimo – Portuguese") - [Română](https://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epav%C4%83 "Epavă – Romanian") - [Simple English](https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck "Shipwreck – Simple English") - [Svenska](https://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skeppsvrak "Skeppsvrak – Swedish") - [Türkçe](https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bat%C4%B1k "Batık – Turkish") - [اردو](https://ur.wikipedia.org/wiki/%DA%A9%D8%B4%D8%AA%DB%8C_%DA%A9%DB%8C_%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%82%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%AA "کشتی کی باقیات – Urdu") - [粵語](https://zh-yue.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%88%B9%E9%9A%BB%E6%AE%98%E9%AA%B8 "船隻殘骸 – Cantonese") - [中文](https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%B2%89%E8%88%B9 "沉船 – Chinese") [Edit links](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Special:EntityPage/Q852190#sitelinks-wikipedia "Edit interlanguage links") - [Article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck "View the content page [c]") - [Talk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Shipwreck "Discuss improvements to the content page [t]") English - [Read](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck) - [Edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit "Edit this page [e]") - [View history](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=history "Past revisions of this page [h]") Tools Tools move to sidebar hide Actions - [Read](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck) - 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[Get shortened URL](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:UrlShortener&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FShipwreck) Print/export - [Download as PDF](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:DownloadAsPdf&page=Shipwreck&action=show-download-screen "Download this page as a PDF file") - [Printable version](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&printable=yes "Printable version of this page [p]") In other projects - [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Shipwrecks) - [Wikiquote](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Shipwreck) - [Wikidata item](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Special:EntityPage/Q852190 "Structured data on this page hosted by Wikidata [g]") Appearance move to sidebar hide From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Physical remains of a beached or sunk ship For other uses, see [Shipwreck (disambiguation)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck_\(disambiguation\) "Shipwreck (disambiguation)"). [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f2/Shipwreck_of_the_SS_American_Star_on_the_shore_of_Fuerteventura.jpg/500px-Shipwreck_of_the_SS_American_Star_on_the_shore_of_Fuerteventura.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Shipwreck_of_the_SS_American_Star_on_the_shore_of_Fuerteventura.jpg) The shipwreck of [SS American Star](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_America_\(1939\) "SS America (1939)") on the shore of [Fuerteventura](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuerteventura "Fuerteventura") in 2004 \| [Admiralty and maritime law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_law "Maritime law") \| \|---\| \| [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/76/Nautical_icon.svg/120px-Nautical_icon.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Nautical_icon.svg) \| \| History \| \| [Code of Hammurabi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_of_Hammurabi "Code of Hammurabi") [Corpus Juris Civilis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corpus_Juris_Civilis "Corpus Juris Civilis") [Digesta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digest_\(Roman_law\)#Contents "Digest (Roman law)") [Ordinamenta et consuetudo maris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ordinamenta_et_consuetudo_maris "Ordinamenta et consuetudo maris") [Amalfian Laws](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amalfian_Laws "Amalfian Laws") [Hanseatic League](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanseatic_League "Hanseatic League") \| \| Features \| \| [Fishing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fishing_industry "Fishing industry") [Illegal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illegal,_unreported_and_unregulated_fishing "Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing") [Fisheries law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisheries_law "Fisheries law") [Maritime transport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_transport "Maritime transport") [Shipping](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freight_transport "Freight transport")/[ferry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferry "Ferry") [Cargo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cargo "Cargo") [Freight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freight_rate "Freight rate") [Shipbuilding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipbuilding "Shipbuilding") [Merchant marine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchant_navy "Merchant navy") [Cargo ship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cargo_ship "Cargo ship") [Passenger ship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passenger_ship "Passenger ship") [Mortgage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_mortgage "Ship mortgage") [Registration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_registration "Ship registration") [Marine insurance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_insurance "Marine insurance") [Act of God](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Act_of_God "Act of God") [Cargo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipping_insurance "Shipping insurance") [Collision](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_collision "Ship collision") [General average](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_average "General average") [Seaworthiness](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seaworthiness_\(law\) "Seaworthiness (law)") [Total loss]() [Maritime security](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_security "Maritime security") [Letter of marque](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Letter_of_marque "Letter of marque") [Drugs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_drug_trafficking_in_Latin_America "Maritime drug trafficking in Latin America") [Piracy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piracy "Piracy") [Pollution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_pollution "Marine pollution") [Smuggling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smuggling "Smuggling") [Wartime prizes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prize_\(law\) "Prize (law)") \| \| [Contract of carriage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contract_of_carriage "Contract of carriage") / [charterparty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charterparty "Charterparty") \| \| [Affreightment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affreightment "Affreightment") [Agency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_agency "Law of agency") [Barratry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barratry_\(admiralty_law\) "Barratry (admiralty law)") [Bill of lading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_of_lading "Bill of lading") [Brokerage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipbroking "Shipbroking") [Chartering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chartering_\(shipping\) "Chartering (shipping)") [Consignment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consignment "Consignment") [Demurrage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demurrage "Demurrage") [Force majeure](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Force_majeure "Force majeure") [Invoice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invoice "Invoice") [Commercial](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commercial_invoice "Commercial invoice") [Pro forma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pro_forma "Pro forma") [Laytime](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laytime "Laytime") [Lien](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lien "Lien") [Maritime](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_lien "Maritime lien") [Manifest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manifest_\(transportation\) "Manifest (transportation)") [Packing list](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Receipt "Receipt") [Proof of delivery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proof_of_delivery "Proof of delivery") [Salvage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_salvage "Marine salvage") [Law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_salvage "Law of salvage") [Terms](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contractual_term "Contractual term") [International](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incoterms "Incoterms") [Waybill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waybill "Waybill") \| \| Parties \| \| [Agent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipping_agency "Shipping agency") [Factor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Factor_\(agent\) "Factor (agent)") [Freight forwarder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freight_forwarder "Freight forwarder") [Captain (Master)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_captain "Sea captain") [The captain goes down with the ship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_captain_goes_down_with_the_ship "The captain goes down with the ship") [Carrier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_carrier "Common carrier") [Charterer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chartering_\(shipping\) "Chartering (shipping)") [Freight company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freight_company "Freight company") [Manager](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_management "Ship management") [Consignee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consignee "Consignee") [Consignor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consignor "Consignor") [Principal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principal_\(commercial_law\) "Principal (commercial law)") [Owner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship-owner "Ship-owner") [Seaman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seaman_status_in_United_States_admiralty_law "Seaman status in United States admiralty law") [Mutiny](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutiny "Mutiny") [Stevedore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stevedore "Stevedore") \| \| Judiciaries \| \| [Admiralty court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Admiralty_court "Admiralty court") [Vice admiralty court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vice_admiralty_court "Vice admiralty court") \| \| International organizations \| \| [International Maritime Organization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Maritime_Organization "International Maritime Organization") [Comité Maritime International](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comit%C3%A9_Maritime_International "Comité Maritime International") [London Maritime Arbitrators Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Maritime_Arbitrators_Association "London Maritime Arbitrators Association") [International Association of Classification Societies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Association_of_Classification_Societies "International Association of Classification Societies") ([Lloyd's Register](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lloyd%27s_Register "Lloyd's Register")) \| \| International conventions \| \| [Hague–Visby Rules](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hague%E2%80%93Visby_Rules "Hague–Visby Rules") [Hamburg Rules](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamburg_Rules "Hamburg Rules") [Rotterdam Rules](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotterdam_Rules "Rotterdam Rules") [Maritime Labour Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_Labour_Convention "Maritime Labour Convention") [International Convention on Salvage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Convention_on_Salvage "International Convention on Salvage") [United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Convention_on_the_Law_of_the_Sea "United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea") [International piracy law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_piracy_law "International piracy law") [SOLAS Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SOLAS_Convention "SOLAS Convention") [MARPOL Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MARPOL_73/78 "MARPOL 73/78") [Ballast Water Management Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballast_Water_Management_Convention "Ballast Water Management Convention") [Anti-fouling Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Convention_on_the_Control_of_Harmful_Anti-fouling_Systems_on_Ships "International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships") [International Convention on Load Lines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Convention_on_Load_Lines "International Convention on Load Lines") [International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Regulations_for_Preventing_Collisions_at_Sea "International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea") [SAR Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Convention_on_Maritime_Search_and_Rescue "International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue") [Athens Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athens_Convention "Athens Convention") [Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convention_on_Facilitation_of_International_Maritime_Traffic "Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic") \| \| International Codes \| \| [IMDG Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Maritime_Dangerous_Goods_Code "International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code") [ISM Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Safety_Management_Code "International Safety Management Code") [ISPS Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Ship_and_Port_Facility_Security_Code "International Ship and Port Facility Security Code") [Polar Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Code_for_Ships_Operating_in_Polar_Waters "International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters") [IGC Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Code_of_the_Construction_and_Equipment_of_Ships_Carrying_Liquefied_Gases_in_Bulk "International Code of the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk") [IBC Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Code_for_the_Construction_and_Equipment_of_Ships_carrying_Dangerous_Chemicals_in_Bulk "International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk") [TDC Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_of_Safe_Practice_for_Ships_Carrying_Timber_Deck_Cargoes "Code of Safe Practice for Ships Carrying Timber Deck Cargoes") [IS Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Code_on_Intact_Stability "International Code on Intact Stability") [International Grain Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Code_for_the_Safe_Carriage_of_Grain_in_Bulk "International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk") [IMSBC Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Maritime_Solid_Bulk_Cargoes_Code "International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code") [INF Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Code_for_the_Safe_Carriage_of_Packaged_Irradiated_Nuclear_Fuel,_Plutonium_and_High-Level_Radioactive_Wastes_on_board_Ships "International Code for the Safe Carriage of Packaged Irradiated Nuclear Fuel, Plutonium and High-Level Radioactive Wastes on board Ships") \| \| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Admiralty_law "Template:Admiralty law") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Admiralty_law "Template talk:Admiralty law") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Admiralty_law "Special:EditPage/Template:Admiralty law") \| [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b5/Miinitraaleri_%22Virsaitis%22_vrakk.jpg/250px-Miinitraaleri_%22Virsaitis%22_vrakk.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Miinitraaleri_%22Virsaitis%22_vrakk.jpg) A [sonar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonar "Sonar") image of the shipwreck of the [Soviet Navy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_Navy "Soviet Navy") ship [Virsaitis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMS_M68 "SMS M68") in [Estonian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estonia "Estonia") waters [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/67/Johan_Christian_Dahl_-_Shipwreck_on_the_Coast_of_Norway_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg/250px-Johan_Christian_Dahl_-_Shipwreck_on_the_Coast_of_Norway_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Johan_Christian_Dahl_-_Shipwreck_on_the_Coast_of_Norway_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg) [Johan Christian Dahl](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johan_Christian_Dahl "Johan Christian Dahl"): [Shipwreck on the Norwegian Coast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck_on_the_Norwegian_Coast "Shipwreck on the Norwegian Coast"), 1832 [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9c/Titanic_wreck_bow.jpg/500px-Titanic_wreck_bow.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Titanic_wreck_bow.jpg) [Bow](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bow_\(watercraft\) "Bow (watercraft)") of [RMS Titanic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanic "Titanic"), first [discovered](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wreck_of_the_Titanic "Wreck of the Titanic") in 1985 [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/80/Collision_of_Costa_Concordia_24.jpg/500px-Collision_of_Costa_Concordia_24.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Collision_of_Costa_Concordia_24.jpg) Wreck of [Costa Concordia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Costa_Concordia "Costa Concordia") A shipwreck is the wreckage of a [ship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship "Ship") that is either beached on land or sunken to the bottom of a body of water. It results from the event of [shipwrecking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwrecking "Shipwrecking"), which may be intentional or unintentional. There were approximately three million shipwrecks worldwide as of January 1999, according to Angela Croome, a science writer and author who specialized in the history of underwater archaeology [\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-1) (an estimate rapidly endorsed by [UNESCO](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNESCO "UNESCO")[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-2)[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-3) and other organizations[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-4)). When a ship's crew has died or abandoned the ship, and the ship has remained adrift but unsunk, they are instead referred to as [ghost ships](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_ship "Ghost ship"). ## Types \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=1 "Edit section: Types")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/47/Sparrow_Hawk_ship.jpg/250px-Sparrow_Hawk_ship.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sparrow_Hawk_ship.jpg) The 1626 Sparrow-Hawk wreck is displayed at the [Pilgrim Hall Museum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilgrim_Hall_Museum "Pilgrim Hall Museum") in [Plymouth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plymouth,_Massachusetts "Plymouth, Massachusetts"), [Massachusetts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusetts "Massachusetts") ### Historic wrecks \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=2 "Edit section: Historic wrecks")\] Historic wrecks are attractive to [maritime archaeologists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_archaeology "Maritime archaeology") because they preserve historical information: for example, studying the wreck of [Mary Rose](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Rose "Mary Rose") revealed information about seafaring, warfare, and life in the 16th century. Military wrecks, caused by a skirmish at sea, are studied to find details about the historic event; they reveal much about the battle that occurred. Discoveries of [treasure ships](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_treasure_fleet "Spanish treasure fleet"), often from the period of European [colonisation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonisation "Colonisation"), which sank in remote locations leaving few living witnesses, such as [Batavia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batavia_\(1628_ship\) "Batavia (1628 ship)"), do occur as well. ### Environmental hazards \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=3 "Edit section: Environmental hazards")\] Some contemporary wrecks, such as the [oil tanker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanker_\(ship\) "Tanker (ship)") [Prestige](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prestige_oil_spill "Prestige oil spill") or [Erika](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Erika "MV Erika"), are of interest primarily because of their potential harm to the environment. ### Hazards to navigation \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=4 "Edit section: Hazards to navigation")\] ### Artificial reefs and dive sites \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=5 "Edit section: Artificial reefs and dive sites")\] Other contemporary wrecks are scuttled in order to spur reef growth, such as [Adolphus Busch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Adolphus_Busch "MV Adolphus Busch") and Ocean Freeze. Many contemporary and historic wrecks, such as [Thistlegorm](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Thistlegorm "SS Thistlegorm"), are of interest to [recreational divers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recreational_diving "Recreational diving") that dive to shipwrecks because they are interesting to explore, provide large habitats for many types of marine life, and have an interesting history. ### Well known incidents and disasters \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=6 "Edit section: Well known incidents and disasters")\] Well-known shipwrecks include the catastrophic [Titanic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanic "Titanic"), [MV Doña Paz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Do%C3%B1a_Paz "MV Doña Paz"), [Britannic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMHS_Britannic "HMHS Britannic"), [Lusitania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RMS_Lusitania "RMS Lusitania"), [Estonia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS_Estonia "MS Estonia"), [Empress of Ireland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RMS_Empress_of_Ireland "RMS Empress of Ireland"), [Andrea Doria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Andrea_Doria "SS Andrea Doria"), [Endurance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endurance_\(1912_ship\) "Endurance (1912 ship)"), [Costa Concordia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Costa_Concordia "Costa Concordia"), [HMS Pandora](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Pandora_\(1779\) "HMS Pandora (1779)") and [SS Waratah](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Waratah "SS Waratah"). ### Abandoned or scuttled derelicts \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=7 "Edit section: Abandoned or scuttled derelicts")\] There are also thousands of wrecks that were not lost at sea but have been abandoned or sunk. These abandoned, or derelict ships are typically smaller craft, such as fishing vessels. They may pose a hazard to navigation[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-5) and may be removed by [port authorities](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_authority "Port authority").[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-ScurvyDeath2007-6) ## Causes \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=8 "Edit section: Causes")\] Main article: [Shipwrecking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwrecking "Shipwrecking") [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Vista_Sur.jpg/250px-Vista_Sur.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vista_Sur.jpg) [County of Peebles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/County_of_Peebles_\(ship\) "County of Peebles (ship)"), used as breakwater in [Punta Arenas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punta_Arenas "Punta Arenas") at the [Strait of Magellan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strait_of_Magellan "Strait of Magellan") Poor design, improperly stowed [cargo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cargo "Cargo"), navigation and other human errors leading to collisions (with another ship, the shoreline, an iceberg, etc.), inadequate maintenance, bad weather, [fire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire "Fire"), and other causes can lead to accidental sinking. Intentional reasons for sinking a ship include: intending to form an [artificial reef](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_reef "Artificial reef"); destruction due to [warfare](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War "War"), [piracy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piracy "Piracy"), [mutiny](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutiny "Mutiny") or [sabotage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabotage "Sabotage"); using the vessel for [target practice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target_practice "Target practice"); or removing a [hazard to navigation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hazard_to_navigation "Hazard to navigation"). A scuttled ship can be also used as [breakwater structure](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breakwater_\(structure\) "Breakwater (structure)") or to deny or restrict access to an area to other shipping. ## Distribution \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=9 "Edit section: Distribution")\] Main article: [Lists of shipwrecks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_shipwrecks "Lists of shipwrecks") Shipwrecks are widely distributed, but are concentrated where there is more shipping and more [navigational hazards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navigational_hazard "Navigational hazard"). Some shipwrecks have been recorded and the circumstances of loss may be known. other ships have [disappeared without trace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_missing_ships "List of missing ships") and are assumed to have been wrecked. ## State of preservation \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=10 "Edit section: State of preservation")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bc/The_Wasa_from_the_stern.jpg/250px-The_Wasa_from_the_stern.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Wasa_from_the_stern.jpg) [Vasa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasa_\(ship\) "Vasa (ship)") is one of the oldest and best-preserved ships salvaged in the world, owing to the cool temperatures and low salinity of the [Baltic Sea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltic_Sea "Baltic Sea") Many factors determine the state of preservation of a wreck: - the ship's construction materials - the wreck becoming covered in sand or silt - the [salinity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salinity "Salinity") of the water the wreck is in - the level of destruction involved in the ship's loss - whether the components or [cargo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cargo "Cargo") of the wreck were [salvaged](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_salvage "Marine salvage") - whether the wreck was demolished to clear a navigable channel - the depth of water at the wreck site - the strength of [tidal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tide "Tide") currents or [wave action](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave_action "Wave action") at the wreck site - the exposure to surface weather conditions at the wreck site - the presence of [marine life](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_life "Marine life") that consume the ship's fabric - temperature - the acidity (or [pH](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PH "PH")), and other chemical characteristics of the water at the site The above - especially the stratification (silt/sand sediments piled up on the shipwrecks) and the damages caused by marine creatures - is better described as "stratification and contamination" of shipwrecks. The stratification not only creates another challenge for marine archaeology, but also a challenge to determine its primary state, i.e. the state that it was in when it sank. Stratification includes several different types of sand and silt, as well as tumulus and encrustations. These "sediments" are tightly linked to the type of currents, depth, and the type of water (salinity, pH, etc.), which implies any chemical reactions that would affect potential cargo (such as wine, olive oil, spices, etc.). Besides this geological phenomenon, wrecks also face the damage of marine creatures that create a home out of them, primarily octopuses and crustaceans. These creatures affect the primary state because they move, or break, any parts of the shipwreck that are in their way, thereby affecting the original condition of [amphorae](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphorae "Amphorae"), for example, or any other hollow places. Finally, in addition to the slight or severe destruction marine animals can create, there are also "external" contaminants, such as the artifacts on and around the wreck at [Pickles Reef](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pickles_Reef "Pickles Reef") and the over-lapping wrecks at the [Molasses Reef Wreck](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molasses_Reef_Wreck "Molasses Reef Wreck"), or contemporary pollution in bodies of water, that severely affect shipwrecks by changing the chemical structures, or further damaging what is left of a specific ship. Despite these challenges, if the information retrieved does not appear to be sufficient,\[[further explanation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Please_clarify "Wikipedia:Please clarify")\] or a poor preservation is achieved, authors like J.A. Parker claim that it is the historical value of the shipwreck\[[further explanation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Please_clarify "Wikipedia:Please clarify")\] that counts as well as any slight piece of information or evidence that is acquired.[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-7) ### Construction materials \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=11 "Edit section: Construction materials")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4a/The_Wreck%2C_by_Knud-Andreassen_Baade_c.1835.JPG/330px-The_Wreck%2C_by_Knud-Andreassen_Baade_c.1835.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Wreck,_by_Knud-Andreassen_Baade_c.1835.JPG) The Wreck, by Knud-Andreassen Baade c. 1835 Exposed [wooden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood "Wood") components decay quickly.\[[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")\] Often the only wooden parts of ships that remain after a century are those that were buried in [silt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silt "Silt") or [sand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sand "Sand") soon after the sinking. An example of this is Mary Rose. [Steel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steel "Steel") and [iron](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron "Iron"), depending on their thickness, may retain the ship's structure for decades. As [corrosion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corrosion "Corrosion") takes place, sometimes accelerated by tides and weather, the structure collapses. Thicker ferrous objects such as [cannons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannon "Cannon"), [boilers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boiler "Boiler") or the [pressure vessel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pressure_vessel "Pressure vessel") of a [submarine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Submarine "Submarine") generall survive longer underwater in spite of corrosion. [Propellers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propeller "Propeller"), [condensers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condenser_\(heat_transfer\) "Condenser (heat transfer)"), [hinges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinge "Hinge") and portholes were often made from non-ferrous metals such as [brass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brass "Brass") and [bronze](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronze "Bronze"), which do not corrode easily. ### Salinity of water \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=12 "Edit section: Salinity of water")\] #### Fresh and low salinity water \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=13 "Edit section: Fresh and low salinity water")\] Shipwrecks in some [freshwater](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freshwater "Freshwater") lakes, such as the [Great Lakes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Lakes "Great Lakes") of North America, have remained intact with little degradation. In some sea areas, most notably in [Gulf of Bothnia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Bothnia "Gulf of Bothnia") and [Gulf of Finland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Finland "Gulf of Finland"), salinity is very low, and centuries-old wrecks have been preserved in reasonable condition. However, [bacteria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacteria "Bacteria") found in fresh water can cause the wood of wrecked ships to rot more quickly than in seawater unless it is deprived of oxygen.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-8) Two shipwrecks, [USS Hamilton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Hamilton_\(1809\) "USS Hamilton (1809)") and [USS Scourge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Scourge_\(1812\) "USS Scourge (1812)"), have been at the bottom of [Lake Ontario](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Ontario "Lake Ontario") since they sunk during a violent storm on August 8, 1813, during the [War of 1812](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_of_1812 "War of 1812"). They are in "remarkably good" condition.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-9) #### Seawater \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=14 "Edit section: Seawater")\] Wrecks typically decay rapidly when in [seawater](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seawater "Seawater"). There are several reasons for this: - [Iron](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron "Iron")\-based metals [corrode](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corrosion "Corrosion") much more quickly in seawater because of the dissolved [salt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt "Salt") present; the sodium and chloride [ions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ion "Ion") chemically accelerate the process of metal oxidation which, in the case of ferrous metals, leads to [rust](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rust "Rust"). Such cases are prominent on deep-water shipwrecks, such as [RMS Titanic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RMS_Titanic "RMS Titanic") (sank 1912), [RMS Lusitania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RMS_Lusitania "RMS Lusitania") (sank 1915), and [German battleship Bismarck](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_battleship_Bismarck "German battleship Bismarck") (sank 1941). However, there are some exceptions; [RMS Empress of Ireland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RMS_Empress_of_Ireland "RMS Empress of Ireland") (sank 1914) lies in the saltwater portion of the [St. Lawrence River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Lawrence_River "St. Lawrence River"), but is still in remarkably good condition.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-10) - Unprotected wood in seawater is rapidly consumed by [shipworms](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipworm "Shipworm") and small wood-boring sea creatures. Shipworms found in higher salinity waters, such as the [Caribbean](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caribbean "Caribbean"), are notorious for boring into wooden structures that are immersed in sea water and can completely destroy the hull of a wooden shipwreck.[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-11) ### Loss, salvage, and demolition \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=15 "Edit section: Loss, salvage, and demolition")\] \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [![icon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/99/Question_book-new.svg/60px-Question_book-new.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Question_book-new.svg) \| This section does not [cite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citing_sources "Wikipedia:Citing sources") any [sources](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability "Wikipedia:Verifiability"). Please help [improve this section](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Shipwreck "Special:EditPage/Shipwreck") by [adding citations to reliable sources](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Referencing_for_beginners "Help:Referencing for beginners"). Unsourced material may be challenged and [removed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Burden_of_evidence "Wikipedia:Verifiability"). (May 2013) ([Learn how and when to remove this message](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Maintenance_template_removal "Help:Maintenance template removal")) \| [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3c/SS_Austria_shipwreck.jpg/250px-SS_Austria_shipwreck.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SS_Austria_shipwreck.jpg) The shipwreck of [SS Austria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Austria "SS Austria") on 13 September 1858 An important factor in the condition of the wreck is the level of destruction at the time of the loss or shortly afterwards due to the nature of the loss, salvage or later demolition. Examples of severe destruction at the time of loss are: - Being blown onto a beach, reef, or rocks during a storm, termed "grounding" (e.g., [Royal Adelaide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Adelaide_\(1865_ship\) "Royal Adelaide (1865 ship)")) - Collision with another ship (e.g., [Andrea Doria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Andrea_Doria "SS Andrea Doria")) - Catastrophic explosion (e.g., [HMS Hood](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Hood "HMS Hood")), steamship boilers often explode when water covers them during the process of sinking - Fire that burns for a long time before the ship sinks (e.g., [Achille Lauro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS_Achille_Lauro "MS Achille Lauro")) - Foundering, i.e., taking in so much water that buoyancy is lost and the ship sinks (e.g., RMS Titanic and HMHS Britannic); some ships with a dense cargo (e.g., iron ore) may break up when sinking quickly and hitting a rocky seabed - Enemy action from [aerial bombs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerial_bomb "Aerial bomb") or [torpedoes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torpedo "Torpedo") that may cause destruction before sinking (e.g., the [Italian battleship Roma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_battleship_Roma_\(1940\) "Italian battleship Roma (1940)") and [HMS Barham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Barham_\(04\) "HMS Barham (04)")) After the loss, the vessel's owners may attempt to [salvage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_salvage "Marine salvage") valuable parts of the ship and its cargo. This operation can cause further damage. Shipwrecks in shallow water near busy shipping lanes are often demolished or removed to reduce the danger to other vessels. On charts, some wreck symbols have a line under the symbol with a depth mark, which indicates the water depth above the wreck. ### Depth, tide and weather \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=16 "Edit section: Depth, tide and weather")\] On the seabed, wrecks are slowly broken up by the forces of [wave action](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave_action "Wave action") caused by the weather and currents caused by [tides](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tide "Tide"). More highly oxygenated water promotes [corrosion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corrosion "Corrosion"), which reduces the strength of ferrous structural materials of the ship. Deeper wrecks may be protected by less exposure to water movement and by lower levels of oxygen in water. ### Temperature \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=17 "Edit section: Temperature")\] Extreme cold (such as in a [glacial-fed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glacier "Glacier") lake, [Arctic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic "Arctic") waters, the [Great Lakes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Lakes "Great Lakes"), etc.) slows the degradation of ship materials. Decay, corrosion and marine encrustation are inhibited in cold waters.[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-12) ## Marine pollution \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=18 "Edit section: Marine pollution")\] Many modern shipwrecks contribute to [marine pollution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_pollution "Marine pollution"), mainly as sources of significant [oil spills](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_spill "Oil spill").[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Smithsonian_Ocean-13) A 2005 survey of shipwrecks since 1890 found that over 8,500 of the submerged wrecks may still contain oil.[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-14) Oil spills can have devastating effects on marine and coastal environments as well as fisheries. In addition to being toxic to marine life, [polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycyclic_aromatic_hydrocarbon "Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon") (PAHs), found in [crude oil](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crude_oil "Crude oil"), are very difficult to clean up, and last for years in the [sediment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sediment "Sediment") and marine environment.[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Panetta-15)[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-VanLanduyt2022-16) Shipwreck pollution may also originate with a ship's cargo or munitions,[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Smithsonian_Ocean-13) such as [unexploded ordnance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unexploded_ordnance "Unexploded ordnance") or [chemical weapons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_weapon "Chemical weapon") canisters.[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-17) German trawler [V 1302 John Mahn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_trawler_V_1302_John_Mahn "German trawler V 1302 John Mahn"), sunk in the [North Sea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Sea "North Sea") in 1942,[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Sven_2020-18)[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Termote_2009-19) has multiple unexploded [depth charges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depth_charges "Depth charges") on board which render the wreck hazardous.[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Sven_2020-18) Samples taken from the wreck and nearby sediment show the presence of [heavy metals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_metals "Heavy metals") like nickel and copper, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, [arsenic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arsenic "Arsenic") and explosive compounds, which have changed the local microbial ecology.[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-VanLanduyt2022-16) ## Natural deterioration process \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=19 "Edit section: Natural deterioration process")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/11/Quartette_03_noaa_casserley.jpg/250px-Quartette_03_noaa_casserley.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Quartette_03_noaa_casserley.jpg) Propeller amongst corals Iron and steel wrecks are subject to corrosion, which is most rapid in shallow sea water where the salinity induces galvanic corrosion, oxygen content is high and water movement replenishes the oxygen rapidly. In deeper water and in still water the corrosion rates can be greatly reduced. Corrosion rates of iron and steel are also reduced when concretions, solid layers of rust, or layers of marine organisms separate the metal from the ambient water, and encourage the development of a layer of relatively stable black oxide in the hypoxic layers.[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20) \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [![\[icon\]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg/20px-Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg) \| This section needs expansion with: [\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20). You can help by [adding missing information](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=). (March 2020) \| ## Value \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=20 "Edit section: Value")\] A shipwreck may have value in several forms:[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20) - Cultural heritage,[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20) - Recreational diving and other tourism attraction[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20) - Scientific, educational and monetary values [\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20) - Artificial reefs[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20) - Monetary value of salvageable cargo and components[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20) \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [![\[icon\]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg/20px-Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg) \| This section needs expansion with: [\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20). You can help by [adding missing information](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=). (March 2020) \| ## Salvage \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=21 "Edit section: Salvage")\] Main article: [Marine salvage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_salvage "Marine salvage") Often, attempts are made to salvage shipwrecks, particularly those recently wrecked, to recover the whole or part of the ship, its cargo, or its equipment. An example was the salvage of the [scuttled German High Seas Fleet at Scapa Flow](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scuttling_of_the_German_fleet_at_Scapa_Flow "Scuttling of the German fleet at Scapa Flow") in the 1920s and 1930s. The unauthorized salvage of wrecks is called [wrecking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrecking_\(shipwreck\) "Wrecking (shipwreck)"). ### Legal aspects \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=22 "Edit section: Legal aspects")\] Main article: [Law of salvage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_salvage "Law of salvage") Shipwreck law determines important legal questions regarding wrecks, perhaps the most important question being the question of ownership. Legally wrecks are divided into wreccum maris (material washed ashore after a shipwreck) and adventurae maris (material still at sea),[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-21) which are treated differently by some, but not all, legal systems. [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/Nanking_Cargo_kijkdag_%281986%29.jpg/250px-Nanking_Cargo_kijkdag_%281986%29.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Nanking_Cargo_kijkdag_\(1986\).jpg) Viewing at [Christie's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christie%27s "Christie's") auction in Amsterdam for the cargo of the [Dutch East India Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_East_India_Company "Dutch East India Company") (VOC) ship Geldermalsen (1747) Wrecks are often considered separately from their cargo. For example, in the British case of [Lusitania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RMS_Lusitania#1984_British_legal_action "RMS Lusitania") \[1986\] QB 384 it was accepted that the remains of the vessel itself were owned by the insurance underwriters who had paid out on the vessel as a total loss by virtue of the law of [subrogation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subrogation "Subrogation") (who subsequently sold their rights), but that the property aboard the wreck still belonged to its original owners or their heirs. Military wrecks, however, remain under the jurisdiction – and hence protection – of the government that lost the ship, or that government's successor. Hence, a German [U-boat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U-boat "U-boat") from World War II still technically belongs to the German government, although [Nazi Germany](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazi_Germany "Nazi Germany") (the government at the time) is long-defunct. Many military wrecks are also protected by virtue of being [war graves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_grave "War grave"). However, many legal systems allow the rights of salvors to override the rights of the original owners of a wreck or its cargo. As a general rule, non-historic civilian shipwrecks are considered fair game for salvage. Under international [maritime law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_law "Maritime law"), for shipwrecks of a certain age, the original owner may have lost all claim to the cargo. Anyone who finds the wreck can then file a salvage claim on it and place a lien on the vessel, and subsequently mount a salvage operation (see [Finders, keepers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finders,_keepers "Finders, keepers")).[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-22) The State of North Carolina questionably claims "all photographs, video recordings, or other documentary materials of a derelict vessel or shipwreck or its contents, relics, artifacts, or historic materials in the custody of any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions" to be its property.[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-23) Some countries assert claims to all wrecks within their territorial waters, irrespective of the interest of the original owner or the salvor.[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-24) [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/Napolibeached.jpg/250px-Napolibeached.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Napolibeached.jpg) [MSC Napoli](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MSC_Napoli "MSC Napoli") beached off Branscombe Some legal systems regard a wreck and its cargo to be abandoned if no attempt is made to salvage them within a certain period of time. English law has usually resisted this notion (encouraged by an extremely large maritime insurance industry, which asserts claims in respect of shipwrecks which it has paid claims on), but it has been accepted to a greater or lesser degree in an Australian case[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-25) and in a Norwegian case.[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-26) The American courts have been inconsistent between states and at federal level.[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-27) Under Danish law, all shipwrecks over 150 years old belong to the state if no owner can be found.\[[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")\] In Spain, wrecks vest in the state if not salvaged within 3 years.\[[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")\] In Finland, all property on board shipwrecks over 100 years old vests in the state.\[[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")\] The British [Protection of Wrecks Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protection_of_Wrecks_Act_1973 "Protection of Wrecks Act 1973"), enacted to protect historic wrecks, controls access to wrecks such as [Cattewater Wreck](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cattewater_Wreck "Cattewater Wreck") which can only be visited or investigated under licence. The British [Protection of Military Remains Act 1986](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protection_of_Military_Remains_Act_1986 "Protection of Military Remains Act 1986") also restricts access to wrecks which are sensitive as [war graves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_grave "War grave"). The Protection of Military Remains Act in some cases creates a blanket ban on all diving; for other wrecks divers may visit provided they do not touch, interfere with or penetrate the wreck. In the United States, shipwrecks in state waters are regulated by the [Abandoned Shipwrecks Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abandoned_Shipwrecks_Act "Abandoned Shipwrecks Act") of 1987. This act is much more lenient in allowing more open access to the shipwrecks. Following the beaching of [MSC Napoli](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MSC_Napoli "MSC Napoli"), as a result of severe damage incurred during European storm [Kyrill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyrill_\(storm\) "Kyrill (storm)"), there was confusion in the press and by the authorities about whether people could be prevented from helping themselves to the [flotsam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flotsam "Flotsam") which was washed up on the beaches at [Branscombe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Branscombe "Branscombe"). Many people took advantage of the confusion and helped themselves to the cargo. This included many [BMW](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW "BMW") motorbikes and empty wine casks as well as bags of disposable nappies ([diapers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diapers "Diapers")).[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-28) The legal position under the [Merchant Shipping Act 1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchant_Shipping_Act_1995 "Merchant Shipping Act 1995") is that any such finds and recovery must be reported within 28 days to the [Receiver of Wreck](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Receiver_of_Wreck "Receiver of Wreck").[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-29) Failure to do so is an offence under the Merchant Shipping Act and can result in a criminal record for [theft by finding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theft_by_finding "Theft by finding").[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-30) After several days, the police and Receiver of Wreck, in conjunction with the landowner and the contracted [salvors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_salvage "Marine salvage"), established a cordon to prevent access to the beach.[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-31) A similar situation occurred after the wreck of [Cita](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Cita "MV Cita") in 1997. Historic wrecks (often but not always defined as being more than 50 years of age) are often protected from pillaging and looting through national laws protecting cultural heritage.[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-32) Internationally they may be protected by a State ratifying the [Unesco Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underwater_cultural_heritage "Underwater cultural heritage"). In this case pillaging is not allowed. One such example is [Queen Anne's Revenge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Anne%27s_Revenge "Queen Anne's Revenge")[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-33) which is undergoing archaeological recovery by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources near Beaufort Inlet, NC. An important international convention aiming at the protection of underwater cultural heritage (including shipwrecks) is the Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-34) The 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage represents the international community's response to the increasing looting and destruction of underwater cultural heritage. It forms part of a group of UNESCO standard setting instruments regarding the domain of cultural heritage, encompassing seven conventions adopted by UNESCO Member States, which constitute a coherent and complementary body guaranteeing a complete protection of all forms of cultural heritage. The UNESCO 2001 Convention is an international treaty aimed exclusively at the protection of underwater cultural heritage and the facilitation of international cooperation in this regard. It does not change sovereignty rights of States or regulate the ownership of wrecks or submerged ruins.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-35) ### Notable salvages \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=23 "Edit section: Notable salvages")\] In 2011, the most valuable cargo of a sunken shipwreck was identified near the western edge of the [Celtic Sea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celtic_Sea "Celtic Sea"). This World War II era sinking of [Gairsoppa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Gairsoppa "SS Gairsoppa") led to a treasure almost three miles (16,000 ft; 4,800 m) deep.[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-36) A U.S. federal court and a panel from the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit have upheld the Spanish claim to the contents of the ship [Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_frigate_Nuestra_Se%C3%B1ora_de_las_Mercedes "Spanish frigate Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes"); Spain took control of the treasure in February 2012. A very small number of coins and effects recovered from the ship were deposited in Gibraltar, because they showed clear signs coherent with an internal explosion on the ship and thus confirmed Spanish claims to the wreck being that of the Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes. They were not returned to Spain until 2013, when a court finally ordered Odyssey Marine to return the missing pieces. Archaeologist [Valerios Stais](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valerios_Stais "Valerios Stais") discovered one of the most notable instruments of time keeping and prediction of celestial events off the coast of the Greek island Antikythera on May 17, 1902. The device, known as the [Antikythera Mechanism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antikythera_Mechanism "Antikythera Mechanism"), is perhaps the earliest example of what would be known as today as an [analog computer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analog_computer "Analog computer"), and the technology it encompasses predates any other recorded description by hundreds or thousands of years. ## Gallery \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=24 "Edit section: Gallery")\] - [![Shipwreck on a shore near Gytheio, Greece](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/ab/Shipwreck_sis.png/120px-Shipwreck_sis.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Shipwreck_sis.png "Shipwreck on a shore near Gytheio, Greece") Shipwreck on a shore near [Gytheio](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gytheio "Gytheio"), [Greece](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greece "Greece") - [![Wrecked fishing boats in Finnmark, North Norway](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Wrecked_fishing_boats%2C_Finnmark.jpg/120px-Wrecked_fishing_boats%2C_Finnmark.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wrecked_fishing_boats,_Finnmark.jpg "Wrecked fishing boats in Finnmark, North Norway") Wrecked fishing boats in [Finnmark](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnmark "Finnmark"), North [Norway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norway "Norway") - [![The ferry Assalama wrecked off of Tarfaya, Morocco](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c4/Assalama.jpg/120px-Assalama.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Assalama.jpg "The ferry Assalama wrecked off of Tarfaya, Morocco") The ferry Assalama wrecked off of [Tarfaya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarfaya "Tarfaya"), [Morocco](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morocco "Morocco") - [![Ship wreck of Maheno, Fraser Island, Australia](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/32/ShipWreckMahenoFraserIsland.jpg/120px-ShipWreckMahenoFraserIsland.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:ShipWreckMahenoFraserIsland.jpg "Ship wreck of Maheno, Fraser Island, Australia") Ship wreck of [Maheno](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Maheno "SS Maheno"), [Fraser Island](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fraser_Island "Fraser Island"), Australia - [![Shipwreck of Frotamerica at the west coast of Namibia](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a4/FrotamericaShipWreck.jpg/120px-FrotamericaShipWreck.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:FrotamericaShipWreck.jpg "Shipwreck of Frotamerica at the west coast of Namibia") Shipwreck of Frotamerica at the west coast of [Namibia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namibia "Namibia") - [![A piece of Shipwreck of Portuguese stranded deep sea-takers 1975 Luanda](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/A_piece_of_Shipwreck.jpg/120px-A_piece_of_Shipwreck.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:A_piece_of_Shipwreck.jpg "A piece of Shipwreck of Portuguese stranded deep sea-takers 1975 Luanda") A piece of Shipwreck of Portuguese stranded deep sea-takers 1975 Luanda - [![A Shipwreck in Luanda](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ae/A_Piece_of_history.jpg/120px-A_Piece_of_history.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:A_Piece_of_history.jpg "A Shipwreck in Luanda") A Shipwreck in Luanda ## See also \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=25 "Edit section: See also")\] - [Lists of shipwrecks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_shipwrecks "Lists of shipwrecks") - [Archaeology of shipwrecks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archaeology_of_shipwrecks "Archaeology of shipwrecks") – Study of human activity through the analysis of shipwreck artifacts - [Abandoned Shipwrecks Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abandoned_Shipwrecks_Act "Abandoned Shipwrecks Act") – US legislation - [Australasian Underwater Cultural Heritage Database](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australasian_Underwater_Cultural_Heritage_Database "Australasian Underwater Cultural Heritage Database") – Online database containing data about shipwrecks and other sunken cultural artefacts - [The captain goes down with the ship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_captain_goes_down_with_the_ship "The captain goes down with the ship") – Maritime tradition - [Conservation and restoration of shipwreck artifacts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservation_and_restoration_of_shipwreck_artifacts "Conservation and restoration of shipwreck artifacts") - [Flotsam, jetsam, lagan and derelict](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flotsam,_jetsam,_lagan_and_derelict "Flotsam, jetsam, lagan and derelict") – Specific kinds of property lost or abandoned at sea - [Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Shipwrecks_Act_1976 "Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976") – Australian legislation (Superseded by the [Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underwater_Cultural_Heritage_Act_2018 "Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018")) - [Hulk (ship type)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hulk_\(ship_type\) "Hulk (ship type)") – Ship that is afloat, but not seagoing - [Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nairobi_International_Convention_on_the_Removal_of_Wrecks "Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks") – 2007 treaty - [Ship graveyard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_graveyard "Ship graveyard") – Location where scrapped ships are left - [Shipwrecking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwrecking "Shipwrecking") – Event causing a ship to wreck - [Second Geneva Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Geneva_Convention "Second Geneva Convention") – 1949 treaty - [Sinking ships for wreck diving sites](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinking_ships_for_wreck_diving_sites "Sinking ships for wreck diving sites") – Scuttling old ships to produce artificial reefs - [Underwater archaeology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underwater_archaeology "Underwater archaeology") – Study of human activity via evidence found underwater - [Wreck diving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wreck_diving "Wreck diving") – Recreational diving on wrecks ## References \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=26 "Edit section: References")\] 1. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-1) Angela Croome (January 16, 1999). "[Sinking fast](https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg16121696-000-sinking-fast/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20171225203002/https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg16121696-000-sinking-fast/) 2017-12-25 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine")", New Scientist, Volume 161, Issue 2169, pp. 49. 2. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-2) "Sinking fast", [Marine Industrial Technology, 1 and 2/1999](https://open.unido.org/api/documents/4813394/download/MARINE%20INDUSTRIAL%20TECHNOLOGY%201%20AND%202-1999.%20EMERGING%20TECHNOLOGY%20SERIES%20\(22293.en\)) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210224123545/https://open.unido.org/api/documents/4813394/download/MARINE%20INDUSTRIAL%20TECHNOLOGY%201%20AND%202-1999.%20EMERGING%20TECHNOLOGY%20SERIES%20\(22293.en\)) 2021-02-24 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), Emerging Technology Series, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, pp. 58. 3. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-3) Lucia Iglesias Kuntz (June 12, 2002), "[UNESCO urges the Americas to join the underwater heritage convention](http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=3304&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20171226020827/http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID%3D3304%26URL_DO%3DDO_TOPIC%26URL_SECTION%3D201.html) 2017-12-26 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine")", UNESCO Media Services. 4. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-4) "[Lisbon Resolution](https://sha.org/publication-links/newsletter/newsletter-archives/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20171225203031/https://sha.org/publication-links/newsletter/newsletter-archives/) 2017-12-25 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine")", Society for Historical Archaeology Newsletter, Summer 1999, Volume 32, Number 2, pp. 31. 5. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-5) ["Wrecks and Obstructions Database"](https://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/data/wrecks-and-obstructions.html). NOAA. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180405024308/https://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/data/wrecks-and-obstructions.html) from the original on 2018-04-05. Retrieved 2018-04-26. 6. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-ScurvyDeath2007_6-0) [Scurvy, Death and Cannibalism](https://web.archive.org/web/20080306183447/http://www.webcastr.com/videos/informational/scurvy-death-and-cannibalism.html) (internet video). Shipwreck Central. 2007. Archived from [the original](http://www.webcastr.com/videos/informational/scurvy-death-and-cannibalism.html) on 2008-03-06. 7. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-7) Parker, A.J. (1981). "Stratification and contamination in ancient Mediterranean shipwrecks". The International Journal of Nautical Archaeology and Underwater Exploration. 10 (4): 309–335\. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1111/j.1095-9270.1981.tb00045.x](https://doi.org/10.1111%2Fj.1095-9270.1981.tb00045.x). 8. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-8) ["Final Management Plan"](http://thunderbay.noaa.gov/pdfs/management%20plan_final.pdf#page=20) (PDF). Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. NOAA. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151112194943/http://thunderbay.noaa.gov/pdfs/management%20plan_final.pdf#page=20) (PDF) from the original on 12 November 2015. Retrieved 11 August 2015. 9. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-9) ["Hamilton's War of 1812 shipwrecks 'an archeologist's dream'"](http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/hamilton-s-war-of-1812-shipwrecks-an-archeologist-s-dream-1.1284755). cbc.ca. CBC News. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150924163740/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/hamilton-s-war-of-1812-shipwrecks-an-archeologist-s-dream-1.1284755) from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 11 August 2015. 10. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-10) Dominique (2010). ["Empress of Ireland (Canada)"](http://www.tekdiv.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=56&lang=en). Tekdiv Exploration. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140718180718/http://www.tekdiv.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=56&lang=en) from the original on 18 July 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2019. 11. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-11) Gilman, Sarah (December 5, 2016). ["How a Ship-Sinking Clam Conquered the Ocean"](http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/tunneling-clam-bedeviled-humans-sank-ships-conquered-oceans-180961288/). [Smithsonian Mag](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smithsonian_Mag "Smithsonian Mag"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190709052941/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/tunneling-clam-bedeviled-humans-sank-ships-conquered-oceans-180961288/) from the original on 9 July 2019. Retrieved 16 March 2019. 12. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-12) Steere, Mike (12 May 1996). ["Superior keeps its shipwrecks fresh Preservation: In the cold, almost sterile water at the bottom of the Great Lake, divers find the remains of marine disasters"](https://www.baltimoresun.com/1996/05/12/superior-keeps-its-shipwrecks-fresh-preservation-in-the-cold-almost-sterile-water-at-the-bottom-of-the-great-lake-divers-find-the-remains-of-marine-disasters/). [Baltimore Sun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore_Sun "Baltimore Sun"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181116061613/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1996-05-12/features/1996133022_1_lake-superior-great-lakes-lakes-shipping) from the original on 16 November 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2015. 13. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Smithsonian_Ocean_13-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Smithsonian_Ocean_13-1) Spalding, Mark J. (January 2013). ["Underwater WWII Wrecks – Pollution or Cultural Heritage? \\| Smithsonian Ocean"](https://ocean.si.edu/conservation/pollution/underwater-wwii-wrecks-pollution-or-cultural-heritage). Smithsonian Institution. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240723134206/https://ocean.si.edu/conservation/pollution/underwater-wwii-wrecks-pollution-or-cultural-heritage) from the original on 2024-07-23. Retrieved 2022-10-26. 14. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-14)* Michel, Jacqueline; Schmidt Etkin, Dagmar; Gilbert, Trevor; Urban, Robert; Waldron, Jon; Blocksidge, Charles T. (2005). ["Potentially Polluting Wrecks in Marine Waters: An Issue Paper Prepared for the 2005 International Oil Spill Conference"](https://web.archive.org/web/20221006045726/http://portal.helcom.fi/meetings/SUBMERGED%205-2016-377/Related%20Information/Potentially%20Polluting%20Wrecks%20in%20Marine%20Water_Michel_etal_2005.pdf) (PDF). Helcom: 8, 11. Archived from [the original](https://portal.helcom.fi/meetings/SUBMERGED%205-2016-377/Related%20Information/Potentially%20Polluting%20Wrecks%20in%20Marine%20Water_Michel_etal_2005.pdf) (PDF) on 2022-10-06. Retrieved 2022-10-26. 15. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Panetta_15-0) Panetta, L.E. (Chair) (2003). [America's living oceans: charting a course for sea change](https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/hsrp/admin/nov2004/oceans_report.pdf) (PDF). Pew Oceans Commission. p. 64. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240317004850/https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/hsrp/admin/nov2004/oceans_report.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 2024-03-17. Retrieved 2022-10-26. 16. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-VanLanduyt2022_16-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-VanLanduyt2022_16-1) Van Landuyt, Josefien; Kundu, Kankana; Van Haelst, Sven; Neyts, Marijke; Parmentier, Koen; De Rijcke, Maarten; Boon, Nico (2022-10-18). ["80 years later: Marine sediments still influenced by an old war ship"](https://doi.org/10.3389%2Ffmars.2022.1017136). Frontiers in Marine Science. 9* 1017136. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.3389/fmars.2022.1017136](https://doi.org/10.3389%2Ffmars.2022.1017136). [hdl](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hdl_\(identifier\) "Hdl (identifier)"):[1854/LU-01GKS4PJA2JJ06GXN0FQHFMB4D](https://hdl.handle.net/1854%2FLU-01GKS4PJA2JJ06GXN0FQHFMB4D). [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [2296-7745](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/2296-7745). 17. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-17) Brown, Valerie J. (April 2005). ["Warfare: Iraq's Toxic Shipwrecks"](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1278500). Environmental Health Perspectives. 113 (4): A230. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1289/ehp.113-a230](https://doi.org/10.1289%2Fehp.113-a230). [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [0091-6765](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0091-6765). [PMC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PMC_\(identifier\) "PMC (identifier)") [1278500](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1278500). [PMID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PMID_\(identifier\) "PMID (identifier)") [15811816](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15811816). 18. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Sven_2020_18-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Sven_2020_18-1) Sven, Van Haelst (2020). Mees, Jan; Seys, Jan (eds.). ["North Sea Wrecks: A future decision support tool for blue growth activities"](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342657720). Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee – Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ). 84: 83 – via ResearchGate. 19. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Termote_2009_19-0)* Termote, Tomas; Termote, Dirk (2009). Schatten en Scheepswrakken: boeiende onderwaterarcheologie in de Noordzee (in Dutch). Davidsfonds Leuven. 20. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-2) [d](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-3) [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-4) [f](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-5) [g](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-6) [h](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-7) [i](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-8) Edney, Joanne (November 2006). ["Impacts of Recreational Scuba Diving on Shipwrecks in Australia and the Pacific - A Review"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210225221039/https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/tep/65664). Micronesian Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences. 5* (1/2 Combined). Albury NSW, Australia: Heritage Futures International. [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [1449-7336](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/1449-7336). Archived from [the original](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/242540533_Impacts_of_recreational_scuba_diving_on_shipwrecks_in_Australia_and_the_Pacific_A_review) on 2021-02-25. Retrieved 2020-03-16. 21. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-21) For example, under English law the former were dealt with under rules relating to things found on land, the latter were dealt with under Admiralty jurisdiction. 22. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-22) White, Stephen F. (5 October 2001). ["Treasure Salvage: Finders Keepers?"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150917131032/http://www.wcslaw.com/news/2001/10/05/treasure-salvage-finders-keepers/). wcslaw.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.wcslaw.com/news/2001/10/05/treasure-salvage-finders-keepers/) on 17 September 2015. Retrieved 16 March 2019. 23. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-23) Berger, Philip E.; Moore, Tim; McCrory, Pat (18 August 2015). ["HB 184"](http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2015/Bills/House/PDF/H184v7.pdf) (PDF). [General Assembly of North Carolina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Assembly_of_North_Carolina "General Assembly of North Carolina"). p. 6. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150928013307/http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2015/Bills/House/PDF/H184v7.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 28 September 2015. Retrieved 16 March 2019. 24. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-24) For example, the US [Abandoned Shipwrecks Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abandoned_Shipwrecks_Act "Abandoned Shipwrecks Act") 1987 and the Spanish Estatuto No 60/62, 24 December 1962 25. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-25) Robinson v Western Australian Museum (1977) 51 ALJR 806 at 820-821, although significantly the court held that it had not been abandoned despite the fact the ship, the Gilt Dragon, was lost in 1656. 26. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-26) N. Rt. 346 (1970 N.D. 107), per Eckhoff J. ([Supreme Court of Norway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_Norway "Supreme Court of Norway")), "It is possible that an owner's inactivity over a long period of time, taking into account the circumstances, can be sufficient reason for considering that the proprietary right to the wrecked vessel has been relinquished. ... \[But\] inactivity over a certain number of years cannot in itself be conclusive." 27. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-27) In Treasure Salvors Inc. v Unidentified Wreck \[1978\] AMC 1404, \[1981\] AMC 1857 relating to [the Atocha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_ship_Nuestra_Se%C3%B1ora_de_Atocha_\(1620\) "Spanish ship Nuestra Señora de Atocha (1620)") the courts treated the wreck and cargo as abandoned, arguing it would be an "absurd fiction" to regard a centuries-old shipwreck as still owned by the original owner. But in Columbus America Discovery Groupo v Unidentified Wreck \[1990\] AMC 2409, (1992) 337 LMNL 1 the courts were prepared to uphold the claims of the original insurers to the cargo subject to their providing the necessary proof, which they were unable to do. 28. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-28) ["Napoli 'scavenging' beach to open"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070317035032/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/6450219.stm). [BBC News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_News "BBC News"). [BBC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC "BBC"). 14 March 2007. Archived from [the original](http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/6450219.stm) on 17 March 2007. Retrieved 19 September 2009. 29. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-29) ["ROW- The reporting process"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080225222905/http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-environmental/mcga-dops_row_receiver_of_wreck/mcga-dops_row_report.htm). [Maritime and Coastguard Agency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_and_Coastguard_Agency "Maritime and Coastguard Agency"). Archived from [the original](http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-environmental/mcga-dops_row_receiver_of_wreck/mcga-dops_row_report.htm) on 25 February 2008. Retrieved 18 May 2013. 30. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-30) ["Wreck and salvage law - Detailed guidance"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110128191037/http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-environmental/mcga-dops_row_receiver_of_wreck/mcga-dops_row_penalties.htm). [Maritime and Coastguard Agency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_and_Coastguard_Agency "Maritime and Coastguard Agency"). 14 September 2012. Archived from [the original](http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-environmental/mcga-dops_row_receiver_of_wreck/mcga-dops_row_penalties.htm) on 28 January 2011. Retrieved 17 September 2015. 31. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-31) ["Structural failure of container vessel MSC Napoli and subsequent beaching Marine Accident Investigation Branch report"](https://web.archive.org/web/20071018170141/http://mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-newsroom/incident/dops_-_hq-napoli_15_february_.htm). [Maritime and Coastguard Agency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_and_Coastguard_Agency "Maritime and Coastguard Agency"). 18 January 2007. Archived from [the original](http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-newsroom/incident/dops_-_hq-napoli_15_february_.htm) on 18 October 2007. Retrieved 17 September 2015. 32. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-32) ["What Lies Beneath"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/documentaries/2008/08/080821_what_lies_beneath.shtml). [BBC Radio World Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_Radio_World_Service "BBC Radio World Service") Broadcast. [Bbc.co.uk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bbc.co.uk "Bbc.co.uk"). 22 August 2008. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170106092046/http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/documentaries/2008/08/080821_what_lies_beneath.shtml) from the original on 6 January 2017. Retrieved 19 September 2009. 33. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-33) Schuster, Angela M.H. (May–June 1979). ["Blackbeard's Flagship"](http://archive.archaeology.org/9705/newsbriefs/blackbeard.html). Archaeology Magazine Archive. [Archaeological Institute of America](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archaeological_Institute_of_America "Archaeological Institute of America"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150827035802/http://archive.archaeology.org/9705/newsbriefs/blackbeard.html) from the original on 27 August 2015. Retrieved 17 September 2015. 34. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-34) ["Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage"](https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20080815180246/http://portal.unesco.org/culture/en/ev.php-URL_ID=34114&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html). [UNESCO](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNESCO "UNESCO"). 2001. Archived from [the original](http://portal.unesco.org/culture/en/ev.php-URL_ID=34114&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html) on 15 August 2008. Retrieved 19 September 2009. 35. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-35) Roberts, Hayley (2018). ["The British Ratification of the Underwater Heritage Convention: Problems and Prospects"](https://research.bangor.ac.uk/portal/en/researchoutputs/the-british-ratification-of-the-underwater-heritage-convention-problems-and-prospects\(5d0f3e40-6d37-42bb-805c-8de96b82dbae\).html). International & Comparative Law Quarterly. 67 (4): 833–865\. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1017/S0020589318000210](https://doi.org/10.1017%2FS0020589318000210). [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [0020-5893](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0020-5893). [S2CID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S2CID_\(identifier\) "S2CID (identifier)") [149780539](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:149780539). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200610223253/https://research.bangor.ac.uk/portal/en/researchoutputs/the-british-ratification-of-the-underwater-heritage-convention-problems-and-prospects\(5d0f3e40-6d37-42bb-805c-8de96b82dbae\).html) from the original on 2020-06-10. Retrieved 2020-05-23. 36. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-36) Hogan, C.Michael (27 September 2011). ["SS Gairsoppa recovery"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130604011024/http://www.eoearth.org/article/SS_Gairsoppa_recovery?topic=49523). In Saundry, Peter; Cleveland, C.J. (eds.). [Encyclopedia of Earth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encyclopedia_of_Earth "Encyclopedia of Earth"). Washington DC: [National Council for Science and the Environment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Council_for_Science_and_the_Environment "National Council for Science and the Environment"). Archived from [the original](http://www.eoearth.org/article/SS_Gairsoppa_recovery?topic=49523) on 4 June 2013. Retrieved 16 March 2019. ## Further reading \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=27 "Edit section: Further reading")\] - Jamieson, Alan G. (2022), Out of the Depths: A History of Shipwrecks, Reaktion Books, [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9781789146196](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781789146196 "Special:BookSources/9781789146196") - Larn, Richard; Larn, Bridget; Lloyd's Register of Shipping (1995), Shipwreck index of the British Isles, Lloyd's Register of Shipping ; Vol.1 - The South West [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [0-900528-88-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-900528-88-5 "Special:BookSources/0-900528-88-5") ; Vol.2 - The South Coast, [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [0-900528-99-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-900528-99-0 "Special:BookSources/0-900528-99-0") ; Vol.3 - The East Coast, [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [1-900839-10-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-900839-10-5 "Special:BookSources/1-900839-10-5") ; Vol.4 - Scotland, [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [1-900839-01-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-900839-01-6 "Special:BookSources/1-900839-01-6") ; Vol.5 - West Coast & Wales, [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [1-900839-61-X](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-900839-61-X "Special:BookSources/1-900839-61-X") ; Vol. 6- Ireland (all) [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [1-900839-03-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-900839-03-2 "Special:BookSources/1-900839-03-2") - Muckenhaupt, P. G. (2018), Treasure Pirates Shipwrecks Gold and Silver, Amazon Digital Services LLC [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9781729469668](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781729469668 "Special:BookSources/9781729469668") ## External links \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=28 "Edit section: External links")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/40px-Commons-logo.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Commons-logo.svg) Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Shipwrecks](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Shipwrecks "commons:Category:Shipwrecks"). - [UNESCO 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage](https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20080815180246/http://portal.unesco.org/culture/en/ev.php-URL_ID=34114&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html) - [WreckSite.eu](http://www.wrecksite.eu/), worldwide database of + 105,000 wrecks with history, maritime charts and GPS positions (subscription required) (in Dutch, English, French, German, and Spanish) - [NOAA Wrecks and Obstructions Database](http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/hsd/wrecks_and_obstructions.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210723033310/https://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/hsd/wrecks_and_obstructions.html) 2021-07-23 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") - [Wreck Diving in the Graveyard of the Atlantic](http://www.nc-wreckdiving.com/) - [Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary](http://thunderbay.noaa.gov/welcome.html) - [Battle Over Shipwreck Photos Brews in N.C.](https://web.archive.org/web/20150816004056/http://www.courthousenews.com/2015/08/12/battle-over-shipwreck-photos-brews-in-n-c.htm), Courthouse News - [N.C Supreme Court revives lawsuit over Blackbeard's ship and lost Spanish treasure ship](https://www.fayobserver.com/news/20191111/nc-supreme-court-revives-lawsuit-over-blackbeards-ship-and-lost-spanish-treasure-ship), Fayetteville Observer \| [Authority control databases](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Authority_control "Help:Authority control") [![Edit this at Wikidata](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/8a/OOjs_UI_icon_edit-ltr-progressive.svg/20px-OOjs_UI_icon_edit-ltr-progressive.svg.png)](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q852190#identifiers "Edit this at Wikidata") \| \| \|---\|---\| \| International \| [GND](https://d-nb.info/gnd/4066981-6) \| \| National \| [Czech Republic](https://aleph.nkp.cz/F/?func=find-c&local_base=aut&ccl_term=ica=ph115168&CON_LNG=ENG) [Latvia](https://kopkatalogs.lv/F?func=direct&local_base=lnc10&doc_number=000361846&P_CON_LNG=ENG) \| \| Other \| [NARA](https://catalog.archives.gov/id/10644322) \| ![](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:CentralAutoLogin/start?useformat=desktop&type=1x1&usesul3=1) Retrieved from "<https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&oldid=1332680993>" [Categories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Category "Help:Category"): - 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Readable Markdown	[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f2/Shipwreck_of_the_SS_American_Star_on_the_shore_of_Fuerteventura.jpg/500px-Shipwreck_of_the_SS_American_Star_on_the_shore_of_Fuerteventura.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Shipwreck_of_the_SS_American_Star_on_the_shore_of_Fuerteventura.jpg) The shipwreck of [SS American Star](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_America_\(1939\) "SS America (1939)") on the shore of [Fuerteventura](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuerteventura "Fuerteventura") in 2004 [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b5/Miinitraaleri_%22Virsaitis%22_vrakk.jpg/250px-Miinitraaleri_%22Virsaitis%22_vrakk.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Miinitraaleri_%22Virsaitis%22_vrakk.jpg) A [sonar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonar "Sonar") image of the shipwreck of the [Soviet Navy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_Navy "Soviet Navy") ship [Virsaitis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMS_M68 "SMS M68") in [Estonian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estonia "Estonia") waters [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/67/Johan_Christian_Dahl_-_Shipwreck_on_the_Coast_of_Norway_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg/250px-Johan_Christian_Dahl_-_Shipwreck_on_the_Coast_of_Norway_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Johan_Christian_Dahl_-_Shipwreck_on_the_Coast_of_Norway_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg) [Johan Christian Dahl](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johan_Christian_Dahl "Johan Christian Dahl"): [Shipwreck on the Norwegian Coast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck_on_the_Norwegian_Coast "Shipwreck on the Norwegian Coast"), 1832 [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9c/Titanic_wreck_bow.jpg/500px-Titanic_wreck_bow.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Titanic_wreck_bow.jpg) [Bow](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bow_\(watercraft\) "Bow (watercraft)") of [RMS Titanic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanic "Titanic"), first [discovered](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wreck_of_the_Titanic "Wreck of the Titanic") in 1985 [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/80/Collision_of_Costa_Concordia_24.jpg/500px-Collision_of_Costa_Concordia_24.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Collision_of_Costa_Concordia_24.jpg) Wreck of [Costa Concordia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Costa_Concordia "Costa Concordia") A shipwreck is the wreckage of a [ship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship "Ship") that is either beached on land or sunken to the bottom of a body of water. It results from the event of [shipwrecking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwrecking "Shipwrecking"), which may be intentional or unintentional. There were approximately three million shipwrecks worldwide as of January 1999, according to Angela Croome, a science writer and author who specialized in the history of underwater archaeology [\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-1) (an estimate rapidly endorsed by [UNESCO](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNESCO "UNESCO")[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-2)[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-3) and other organizations[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-4)). When a ship's crew has died or abandoned the ship, and the ship has remained adrift but unsunk, they are instead referred to as [ghost ships](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_ship "Ghost ship"). [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/47/Sparrow_Hawk_ship.jpg/250px-Sparrow_Hawk_ship.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sparrow_Hawk_ship.jpg) The 1626 Sparrow-Hawk wreck is displayed at the [Pilgrim Hall Museum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilgrim_Hall_Museum "Pilgrim Hall Museum") in [Plymouth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plymouth,_Massachusetts "Plymouth, Massachusetts"), [Massachusetts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusetts "Massachusetts") Historic wrecks are attractive to [maritime archaeologists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_archaeology "Maritime archaeology") because they preserve historical information: for example, studying the wreck of [Mary Rose](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Rose "Mary Rose") revealed information about seafaring, warfare, and life in the 16th century. Military wrecks, caused by a skirmish at sea, are studied to find details about the historic event; they reveal much about the battle that occurred. Discoveries of [treasure ships](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_treasure_fleet "Spanish treasure fleet"), often from the period of European [colonisation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonisation "Colonisation"), which sank in remote locations leaving few living witnesses, such as [Batavia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batavia_\(1628_ship\) "Batavia (1628 ship)"), do occur as well. ### Environmental hazards \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=3 "Edit section: Environmental hazards")\] Some contemporary wrecks, such as the [oil tanker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanker_\(ship\) "Tanker (ship)") [Prestige](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prestige_oil_spill "Prestige oil spill") or [Erika](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Erika "MV Erika"), are of interest primarily because of their potential harm to the environment. ### Hazards to navigation \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=4 "Edit section: Hazards to navigation")\] ### Artificial reefs and dive sites \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=5 "Edit section: Artificial reefs and dive sites")\] Other contemporary wrecks are scuttled in order to spur reef growth, such as [Adolphus Busch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Adolphus_Busch "MV Adolphus Busch") and Ocean Freeze. Many contemporary and historic wrecks, such as [Thistlegorm](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Thistlegorm "SS Thistlegorm"), are of interest to [recreational divers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recreational_diving "Recreational diving") that dive to shipwrecks because they are interesting to explore, provide large habitats for many types of marine life, and have an interesting history. ### Well known incidents and disasters \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=6 "Edit section: Well known incidents and disasters")\] Well-known shipwrecks include the catastrophic [Titanic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanic "Titanic"), [MV Doña Paz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Do%C3%B1a_Paz "MV Doña Paz"), [Britannic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMHS_Britannic "HMHS Britannic"), [Lusitania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RMS_Lusitania "RMS Lusitania"), [Estonia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS_Estonia "MS Estonia"), [Empress of Ireland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RMS_Empress_of_Ireland "RMS Empress of Ireland"), [Andrea Doria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Andrea_Doria "SS Andrea Doria"), [Endurance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endurance_\(1912_ship\) "Endurance (1912 ship)"), [Costa Concordia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Costa_Concordia "Costa Concordia"), [HMS Pandora](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Pandora_\(1779\) "HMS Pandora (1779)") and [SS Waratah](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Waratah "SS Waratah"). ### Abandoned or scuttled derelicts \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=7 "Edit section: Abandoned or scuttled derelicts")\] There are also thousands of wrecks that were not lost at sea but have been abandoned or sunk. These abandoned, or derelict ships are typically smaller craft, such as fishing vessels. They may pose a hazard to navigation[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-5) and may be removed by [port authorities](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_authority "Port authority").[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-ScurvyDeath2007-6) [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Vista_Sur.jpg/250px-Vista_Sur.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vista_Sur.jpg) [County of Peebles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/County_of_Peebles_\(ship\) "County of Peebles (ship)"), used as breakwater in [Punta Arenas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punta_Arenas "Punta Arenas") at the [Strait of Magellan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strait_of_Magellan "Strait of Magellan") Poor design, improperly stowed [cargo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cargo "Cargo"), navigation and other human errors leading to collisions (with another ship, the shoreline, an iceberg, etc.), inadequate maintenance, bad weather, [fire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire "Fire"), and other causes can lead to accidental sinking. Intentional reasons for sinking a ship include: intending to form an [artificial reef](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_reef "Artificial reef"); destruction due to [warfare](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War "War"), [piracy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piracy "Piracy"), [mutiny](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutiny "Mutiny") or [sabotage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabotage "Sabotage"); using the vessel for [target practice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target_practice "Target practice"); or removing a [hazard to navigation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hazard_to_navigation "Hazard to navigation"). A scuttled ship can be also used as [breakwater structure](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breakwater_\(structure\) "Breakwater (structure)") or to deny or restrict access to an area to other shipping. Shipwrecks are widely distributed, but are concentrated where there is more shipping and more [navigational hazards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navigational_hazard "Navigational hazard"). Some shipwrecks have been recorded and the circumstances of loss may be known. other ships have [disappeared without trace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_missing_ships "List of missing ships") and are assumed to have been wrecked. ## State of preservation \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=10 "Edit section: State of preservation")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bc/The_Wasa_from_the_stern.jpg/250px-The_Wasa_from_the_stern.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Wasa_from_the_stern.jpg) [Vasa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasa_\(ship\) "Vasa (ship)") is one of the oldest and best-preserved ships salvaged in the world, owing to the cool temperatures and low salinity of the [Baltic Sea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltic_Sea "Baltic Sea") Many factors determine the state of preservation of a wreck: - the ship's construction materials - the wreck becoming covered in sand or silt - the [salinity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salinity "Salinity") of the water the wreck is in - the level of destruction involved in the ship's loss - whether the components or [cargo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cargo "Cargo") of the wreck were [salvaged](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_salvage "Marine salvage") - whether the wreck was demolished to clear a navigable channel - the depth of water at the wreck site - the strength of [tidal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tide "Tide") currents or [wave action](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave_action "Wave action") at the wreck site - the exposure to surface weather conditions at the wreck site - the presence of [marine life](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_life "Marine life") that consume the ship's fabric - temperature - the acidity (or [pH](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PH "PH")), and other chemical characteristics of the water at the site The above - especially the stratification (silt/sand sediments piled up on the shipwrecks) and the damages caused by marine creatures - is better described as "stratification and contamination" of shipwrecks. The stratification not only creates another challenge for marine archaeology, but also a challenge to determine its primary state, i.e. the state that it was in when it sank. Stratification includes several different types of sand and silt, as well as tumulus and encrustations. These "sediments" are tightly linked to the type of currents, depth, and the type of water (salinity, pH, etc.), which implies any chemical reactions that would affect potential cargo (such as wine, olive oil, spices, etc.). Besides this geological phenomenon, wrecks also face the damage of marine creatures that create a home out of them, primarily octopuses and crustaceans. These creatures affect the primary state because they move, or break, any parts of the shipwreck that are in their way, thereby affecting the original condition of [amphorae](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphorae "Amphorae"), for example, or any other hollow places. Finally, in addition to the slight or severe destruction marine animals can create, there are also "external" contaminants, such as the artifacts on and around the wreck at [Pickles Reef](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pickles_Reef "Pickles Reef") and the over-lapping wrecks at the [Molasses Reef Wreck](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molasses_Reef_Wreck "Molasses Reef Wreck"), or contemporary pollution in bodies of water, that severely affect shipwrecks by changing the chemical structures, or further damaging what is left of a specific ship. Despite these challenges, if the information retrieved does not appear to be sufficient,\[[further explanation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Please_clarify "Wikipedia:Please clarify")\] or a poor preservation is achieved, authors like J.A. Parker claim that it is the historical value of the shipwreck\[[further explanation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Please_clarify "Wikipedia:Please clarify")\] that counts as well as any slight piece of information or evidence that is acquired.[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-7) ### Construction materials \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=11 "Edit section: Construction materials")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4a/The_Wreck%2C_by_Knud-Andreassen_Baade_c.1835.JPG/330px-The_Wreck%2C_by_Knud-Andreassen_Baade_c.1835.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Wreck,_by_Knud-Andreassen_Baade_c.1835.JPG) The Wreck, by Knud-Andreassen Baade c. 1835 Exposed [wooden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood "Wood") components decay quickly.\[[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")\] Often the only wooden parts of ships that remain after a century are those that were buried in [silt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silt "Silt") or [sand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sand "Sand") soon after the sinking. An example of this is Mary Rose. [Steel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steel "Steel") and [iron](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron "Iron"), depending on their thickness, may retain the ship's structure for decades. As [corrosion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corrosion "Corrosion") takes place, sometimes accelerated by tides and weather, the structure collapses. Thicker ferrous objects such as [cannons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannon "Cannon"), [boilers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boiler "Boiler") or the [pressure vessel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pressure_vessel "Pressure vessel") of a [submarine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Submarine "Submarine") generall survive longer underwater in spite of corrosion. [Propellers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propeller "Propeller"), [condensers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condenser_\(heat_transfer\) "Condenser (heat transfer)"), [hinges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinge "Hinge") and portholes were often made from non-ferrous metals such as [brass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brass "Brass") and [bronze](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronze "Bronze"), which do not corrode easily. #### Fresh and low salinity water \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=13 "Edit section: Fresh and low salinity water")\] Shipwrecks in some [freshwater](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freshwater "Freshwater") lakes, such as the [Great Lakes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Lakes "Great Lakes") of North America, have remained intact with little degradation. In some sea areas, most notably in [Gulf of Bothnia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Bothnia "Gulf of Bothnia") and [Gulf of Finland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Finland "Gulf of Finland"), salinity is very low, and centuries-old wrecks have been preserved in reasonable condition. However, [bacteria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacteria "Bacteria") found in fresh water can cause the wood of wrecked ships to rot more quickly than in seawater unless it is deprived of oxygen.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-8) Two shipwrecks, [USS Hamilton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Hamilton_\(1809\) "USS Hamilton (1809)") and [USS Scourge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Scourge_\(1812\) "USS Scourge (1812)"), have been at the bottom of [Lake Ontario](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Ontario "Lake Ontario") since they sunk during a violent storm on August 8, 1813, during the [War of 1812](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_of_1812 "War of 1812"). They are in "remarkably good" condition.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-9) Wrecks typically decay rapidly when in [seawater](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seawater "Seawater"). There are several reasons for this: - [Iron](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron "Iron")\-based metals [corrode](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corrosion "Corrosion") much more quickly in seawater because of the dissolved [salt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt "Salt") present; the sodium and chloride [ions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ion "Ion") chemically accelerate the process of metal oxidation which, in the case of ferrous metals, leads to [rust](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rust "Rust"). Such cases are prominent on deep-water shipwrecks, such as [RMS Titanic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RMS_Titanic "RMS Titanic") (sank 1912), [RMS Lusitania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RMS_Lusitania "RMS Lusitania") (sank 1915), and [German battleship Bismarck](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_battleship_Bismarck "German battleship Bismarck") (sank 1941). However, there are some exceptions; [RMS Empress of Ireland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RMS_Empress_of_Ireland "RMS Empress of Ireland") (sank 1914) lies in the saltwater portion of the [St. Lawrence River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Lawrence_River "St. Lawrence River"), but is still in remarkably good condition.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-10) - Unprotected wood in seawater is rapidly consumed by [shipworms](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipworm "Shipworm") and small wood-boring sea creatures. Shipworms found in higher salinity waters, such as the [Caribbean](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caribbean "Caribbean"), are notorious for boring into wooden structures that are immersed in sea water and can completely destroy the hull of a wooden shipwreck.[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-11) ### Loss, salvage, and demolition \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=15 "Edit section: Loss, salvage, and demolition")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3c/SS_Austria_shipwreck.jpg/250px-SS_Austria_shipwreck.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SS_Austria_shipwreck.jpg) The shipwreck of [SS Austria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Austria "SS Austria") on 13 September 1858 An important factor in the condition of the wreck is the level of destruction at the time of the loss or shortly afterwards due to the nature of the loss, salvage or later demolition. Examples of severe destruction at the time of loss are: - Being blown onto a beach, reef, or rocks during a storm, termed "grounding" (e.g., [Royal Adelaide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Adelaide_\(1865_ship\) "Royal Adelaide (1865 ship)")) - Collision with another ship (e.g., [Andrea Doria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Andrea_Doria "SS Andrea Doria")) - Catastrophic explosion (e.g., [HMS Hood](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Hood "HMS Hood")), steamship boilers often explode when water covers them during the process of sinking - Fire that burns for a long time before the ship sinks (e.g., [Achille Lauro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS_Achille_Lauro "MS Achille Lauro")) - Foundering, i.e., taking in so much water that buoyancy is lost and the ship sinks (e.g., RMS Titanic and HMHS Britannic); some ships with a dense cargo (e.g., iron ore) may break up when sinking quickly and hitting a rocky seabed - Enemy action from [aerial bombs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerial_bomb "Aerial bomb") or [torpedoes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torpedo "Torpedo") that may cause destruction before sinking (e.g., the [Italian battleship Roma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_battleship_Roma_\(1940\) "Italian battleship Roma (1940)") and [HMS Barham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Barham_\(04\) "HMS Barham (04)")) After the loss, the vessel's owners may attempt to [salvage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_salvage "Marine salvage") valuable parts of the ship and its cargo. This operation can cause further damage. Shipwrecks in shallow water near busy shipping lanes are often demolished or removed to reduce the danger to other vessels. On charts, some wreck symbols have a line under the symbol with a depth mark, which indicates the water depth above the wreck. ### Depth, tide and weather \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=16 "Edit section: Depth, tide and weather")\] On the seabed, wrecks are slowly broken up by the forces of [wave action](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave_action "Wave action") caused by the weather and currents caused by [tides](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tide "Tide"). More highly oxygenated water promotes [corrosion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corrosion "Corrosion"), which reduces the strength of ferrous structural materials of the ship. Deeper wrecks may be protected by less exposure to water movement and by lower levels of oxygen in water. Extreme cold (such as in a [glacial-fed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glacier "Glacier") lake, [Arctic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic "Arctic") waters, the [Great Lakes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Lakes "Great Lakes"), etc.) slows the degradation of ship materials. Decay, corrosion and marine encrustation are inhibited in cold waters.[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-12) Many modern shipwrecks contribute to [marine pollution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_pollution "Marine pollution"), mainly as sources of significant [oil spills](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_spill "Oil spill").[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Smithsonian_Ocean-13) A 2005 survey of shipwrecks since 1890 found that over 8,500 of the submerged wrecks may still contain oil.[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-14) Oil spills can have devastating effects on marine and coastal environments as well as fisheries. In addition to being toxic to marine life, [polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycyclic_aromatic_hydrocarbon "Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon") (PAHs), found in [crude oil](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crude_oil "Crude oil"), are very difficult to clean up, and last for years in the [sediment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sediment "Sediment") and marine environment.[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Panetta-15)[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-VanLanduyt2022-16) Shipwreck pollution may also originate with a ship's cargo or munitions,[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Smithsonian_Ocean-13) such as [unexploded ordnance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unexploded_ordnance "Unexploded ordnance") or [chemical weapons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_weapon "Chemical weapon") canisters.[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-17) German trawler [V 1302 John Mahn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_trawler_V_1302_John_Mahn "German trawler V 1302 John Mahn"), sunk in the [North Sea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Sea "North Sea") in 1942,[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Sven_2020-18)[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Termote_2009-19) has multiple unexploded [depth charges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depth_charges "Depth charges") on board which render the wreck hazardous.[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Sven_2020-18) Samples taken from the wreck and nearby sediment show the presence of [heavy metals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_metals "Heavy metals") like nickel and copper, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, [arsenic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arsenic "Arsenic") and explosive compounds, which have changed the local microbial ecology.[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-VanLanduyt2022-16) ## Natural deterioration process \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shipwreck&action=edit&section=19 "Edit section: Natural deterioration process")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/11/Quartette_03_noaa_casserley.jpg/250px-Quartette_03_noaa_casserley.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Quartette_03_noaa_casserley.jpg) Propeller amongst corals Iron and steel wrecks are subject to corrosion, which is most rapid in shallow sea water where the salinity induces galvanic corrosion, oxygen content is high and water movement replenishes the oxygen rapidly. In deeper water and in still water the corrosion rates can be greatly reduced. Corrosion rates of iron and steel are also reduced when concretions, solid layers of rust, or layers of marine organisms separate the metal from the ambient water, and encourage the development of a layer of relatively stable black oxide in the hypoxic layers.[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20) A shipwreck may have value in several forms:[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20) - Cultural heritage,[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20) - Recreational diving and other tourism attraction[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20) - Scientific, educational and monetary values [\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20) - Artificial reefs[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20) - Monetary value of salvageable cargo and components[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-Edney_2006-20) Often, attempts are made to salvage shipwrecks, particularly those recently wrecked, to recover the whole or part of the ship, its cargo, or its equipment. An example was the salvage of the [scuttled German High Seas Fleet at Scapa Flow](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scuttling_of_the_German_fleet_at_Scapa_Flow "Scuttling of the German fleet at Scapa Flow") in the 1920s and 1930s. The unauthorized salvage of wrecks is called [wrecking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrecking_\(shipwreck\) "Wrecking (shipwreck)"). Shipwreck law determines important legal questions regarding wrecks, perhaps the most important question being the question of ownership. Legally wrecks are divided into wreccum maris (material washed ashore after a shipwreck) and adventurae maris (material still at sea),[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-21) which are treated differently by some, but not all, legal systems. [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/Nanking_Cargo_kijkdag_%281986%29.jpg/250px-Nanking_Cargo_kijkdag_%281986%29.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Nanking_Cargo_kijkdag_\(1986\).jpg) Viewing at [Christie's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christie%27s "Christie's") auction in Amsterdam for the cargo of the [Dutch East India Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_East_India_Company "Dutch East India Company") (VOC) ship Geldermalsen (1747) Wrecks are often considered separately from their cargo. For example, in the British case of [Lusitania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RMS_Lusitania#1984_British_legal_action "RMS Lusitania") \[1986\] QB 384 it was accepted that the remains of the vessel itself were owned by the insurance underwriters who had paid out on the vessel as a total loss by virtue of the law of [subrogation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subrogation "Subrogation") (who subsequently sold their rights), but that the property aboard the wreck still belonged to its original owners or their heirs. Military wrecks, however, remain under the jurisdiction – and hence protection – of the government that lost the ship, or that government's successor. Hence, a German [U-boat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U-boat "U-boat") from World War II still technically belongs to the German government, although [Nazi Germany](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazi_Germany "Nazi Germany") (the government at the time) is long-defunct. Many military wrecks are also protected by virtue of being [war graves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_grave "War grave"). However, many legal systems allow the rights of salvors to override the rights of the original owners of a wreck or its cargo. As a general rule, non-historic civilian shipwrecks are considered fair game for salvage. Under international [maritime law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_law "Maritime law"), for shipwrecks of a certain age, the original owner may have lost all claim to the cargo. Anyone who finds the wreck can then file a salvage claim on it and place a lien on the vessel, and subsequently mount a salvage operation (see [Finders, keepers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finders,_keepers "Finders, keepers")).[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-22) The State of North Carolina questionably claims "all photographs, video recordings, or other documentary materials of a derelict vessel or shipwreck or its contents, relics, artifacts, or historic materials in the custody of any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions" to be its property.[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-23) Some countries assert claims to all wrecks within their territorial waters, irrespective of the interest of the original owner or the salvor.[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-24) [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/Napolibeached.jpg/250px-Napolibeached.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Napolibeached.jpg) [MSC Napoli](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MSC_Napoli "MSC Napoli") beached off Branscombe Some legal systems regard a wreck and its cargo to be abandoned if no attempt is made to salvage them within a certain period of time. English law has usually resisted this notion (encouraged by an extremely large maritime insurance industry, which asserts claims in respect of shipwrecks which it has paid claims on), but it has been accepted to a greater or lesser degree in an Australian case[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-25) and in a Norwegian case.[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-26) The American courts have been inconsistent between states and at federal level.[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-27) Under Danish law, all shipwrecks over 150 years old belong to the state if no owner can be found.\[[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")\] In Spain, wrecks vest in the state if not salvaged within 3 years.\[[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")\] In Finland, all property on board shipwrecks over 100 years old vests in the state.\[[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")\] The British [Protection of Wrecks Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protection_of_Wrecks_Act_1973 "Protection of Wrecks Act 1973"), enacted to protect historic wrecks, controls access to wrecks such as [Cattewater Wreck](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cattewater_Wreck "Cattewater Wreck") which can only be visited or investigated under licence. The British [Protection of Military Remains Act 1986](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protection_of_Military_Remains_Act_1986 "Protection of Military Remains Act 1986") also restricts access to wrecks which are sensitive as [war graves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_grave "War grave"). The Protection of Military Remains Act in some cases creates a blanket ban on all diving; for other wrecks divers may visit provided they do not touch, interfere with or penetrate the wreck. In the United States, shipwrecks in state waters are regulated by the [Abandoned Shipwrecks Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abandoned_Shipwrecks_Act "Abandoned Shipwrecks Act") of 1987. This act is much more lenient in allowing more open access to the shipwrecks. Following the beaching of [MSC Napoli](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MSC_Napoli "MSC Napoli"), as a result of severe damage incurred during European storm [Kyrill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyrill_\(storm\) "Kyrill (storm)"), there was confusion in the press and by the authorities about whether people could be prevented from helping themselves to the [flotsam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flotsam "Flotsam") which was washed up on the beaches at [Branscombe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Branscombe "Branscombe"). Many people took advantage of the confusion and helped themselves to the cargo. This included many [BMW](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW "BMW") motorbikes and empty wine casks as well as bags of disposable nappies ([diapers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diapers "Diapers")).[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-28) The legal position under the [Merchant Shipping Act 1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchant_Shipping_Act_1995 "Merchant Shipping Act 1995") is that any such finds and recovery must be reported within 28 days to the [Receiver of Wreck](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Receiver_of_Wreck "Receiver of Wreck").[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-29) Failure to do so is an offence under the Merchant Shipping Act and can result in a criminal record for [theft by finding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theft_by_finding "Theft by finding").[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-30) After several days, the police and Receiver of Wreck, in conjunction with the landowner and the contracted [salvors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_salvage "Marine salvage"), established a cordon to prevent access to the beach.[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-31) A similar situation occurred after the wreck of [Cita](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Cita "MV Cita") in 1997. Historic wrecks (often but not always defined as being more than 50 years of age) are often protected from pillaging and looting through national laws protecting cultural heritage.[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-32) Internationally they may be protected by a State ratifying the [Unesco Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underwater_cultural_heritage "Underwater cultural heritage"). In this case pillaging is not allowed. One such example is [Queen Anne's Revenge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Anne%27s_Revenge "Queen Anne's Revenge")[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-33) which is undergoing archaeological recovery by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources near Beaufort Inlet, NC. An important international convention aiming at the protection of underwater cultural heritage (including shipwrecks) is the Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-34) The 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage represents the international community's response to the increasing looting and destruction of underwater cultural heritage. It forms part of a group of UNESCO standard setting instruments regarding the domain of cultural heritage, encompassing seven conventions adopted by UNESCO Member States, which constitute a coherent and complementary body guaranteeing a complete protection of all forms of cultural heritage. The UNESCO 2001 Convention is an international treaty aimed exclusively at the protection of underwater cultural heritage and the facilitation of international cooperation in this regard. It does not change sovereignty rights of States or regulate the ownership of wrecks or submerged ruins.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-35) In 2011, the most valuable cargo of a sunken shipwreck was identified near the western edge of the [Celtic Sea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celtic_Sea "Celtic Sea"). This World War II era sinking of [Gairsoppa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Gairsoppa "SS Gairsoppa") led to a treasure almost three miles (16,000 ft; 4,800 m) deep.[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_note-36) A U.S. federal court and a panel from the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit have upheld the Spanish claim to the contents of the ship [Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_frigate_Nuestra_Se%C3%B1ora_de_las_Mercedes "Spanish frigate Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes"); Spain took control of the treasure in February 2012. A very small number of coins and effects recovered from the ship were deposited in Gibraltar, because they showed clear signs coherent with an internal explosion on the ship and thus confirmed Spanish claims to the wreck being that of the Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes. They were not returned to Spain until 2013, when a court finally ordered Odyssey Marine to return the missing pieces. Archaeologist [Valerios Stais](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valerios_Stais "Valerios Stais") discovered one of the most notable instruments of time keeping and prediction of celestial events off the coast of the Greek island Antikythera on May 17, 1902. The device, known as the [Antikythera Mechanism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antikythera_Mechanism "Antikythera Mechanism"), is perhaps the earliest example of what would be known as today as an [analog computer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analog_computer "Analog computer"), and the technology it encompasses predates any other recorded description by hundreds or thousands of years. - [![Shipwreck on a shore near Gytheio, Greece](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/ab/Shipwreck_sis.png/120px-Shipwreck_sis.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Shipwreck_sis.png "Shipwreck on a shore near Gytheio, Greece") Shipwreck on a shore near [Gytheio](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gytheio "Gytheio"), [Greece](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greece "Greece") - [![Wrecked fishing boats in Finnmark, North Norway](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Wrecked_fishing_boats%2C_Finnmark.jpg/120px-Wrecked_fishing_boats%2C_Finnmark.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wrecked_fishing_boats,_Finnmark.jpg "Wrecked fishing boats in Finnmark, North Norway") Wrecked fishing boats in [Finnmark](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnmark "Finnmark"), North [Norway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norway "Norway") - [![The ferry Assalama wrecked off of Tarfaya, Morocco](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c4/Assalama.jpg/120px-Assalama.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Assalama.jpg "The ferry Assalama wrecked off of Tarfaya, Morocco") The ferry Assalama wrecked off of [Tarfaya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarfaya "Tarfaya"), [Morocco](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morocco "Morocco") - [![Ship wreck of Maheno, Fraser Island, Australia](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/32/ShipWreckMahenoFraserIsland.jpg/120px-ShipWreckMahenoFraserIsland.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:ShipWreckMahenoFraserIsland.jpg "Ship wreck of Maheno, Fraser Island, Australia") Ship wreck of [Maheno](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Maheno "SS Maheno"), [Fraser Island](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fraser_Island "Fraser Island"), Australia - [![Shipwreck of Frotamerica at the west coast of Namibia](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a4/FrotamericaShipWreck.jpg/120px-FrotamericaShipWreck.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:FrotamericaShipWreck.jpg "Shipwreck of Frotamerica at the west coast of Namibia") Shipwreck of Frotamerica at the west coast of [Namibia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namibia "Namibia") - [![A piece of Shipwreck of Portuguese stranded deep sea-takers 1975 Luanda](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/A_piece_of_Shipwreck.jpg/120px-A_piece_of_Shipwreck.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:A_piece_of_Shipwreck.jpg "A piece of Shipwreck of Portuguese stranded deep sea-takers 1975 Luanda") A piece of Shipwreck of Portuguese stranded deep sea-takers 1975 Luanda - [![A Shipwreck in Luanda](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ae/A_Piece_of_history.jpg/120px-A_Piece_of_history.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:A_Piece_of_history.jpg "A Shipwreck in Luanda") A Shipwreck in Luanda - [Lists of shipwrecks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_shipwrecks "Lists of shipwrecks") - [Archaeology of shipwrecks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archaeology_of_shipwrecks "Archaeology of shipwrecks") – Study of human activity through the analysis of shipwreck artifacts - [Abandoned Shipwrecks Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abandoned_Shipwrecks_Act "Abandoned Shipwrecks Act") – US legislation - [Australasian Underwater Cultural Heritage Database](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australasian_Underwater_Cultural_Heritage_Database "Australasian Underwater Cultural Heritage Database") – Online database containing data about shipwrecks and other sunken cultural artefacts - [The captain goes down with the ship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_captain_goes_down_with_the_ship "The captain goes down with the ship") – Maritime tradition - [Conservation and restoration of shipwreck artifacts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservation_and_restoration_of_shipwreck_artifacts "Conservation and restoration of shipwreck artifacts") - [Flotsam, jetsam, lagan and derelict](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flotsam,_jetsam,_lagan_and_derelict "Flotsam, jetsam, lagan and derelict") – Specific kinds of property lost or abandoned at sea - [Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Shipwrecks_Act_1976 "Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976") – Australian legislation (Superseded by the [Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underwater_Cultural_Heritage_Act_2018 "Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018")) - [Hulk (ship type)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hulk_\(ship_type\) "Hulk (ship type)") – Ship that is afloat, but not seagoing - [Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nairobi_International_Convention_on_the_Removal_of_Wrecks "Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks") – 2007 treaty - [Ship graveyard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_graveyard "Ship graveyard") – Location where scrapped ships are left - [Shipwrecking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwrecking "Shipwrecking") – Event causing a ship to wreck - [Second Geneva Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Geneva_Convention "Second Geneva Convention") – 1949 treaty - [Sinking ships for wreck diving sites](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinking_ships_for_wreck_diving_sites "Sinking ships for wreck diving sites") – Scuttling old ships to produce artificial reefs - [Underwater archaeology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underwater_archaeology "Underwater archaeology") – Study of human activity via evidence found underwater - [Wreck diving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wreck_diving "Wreck diving") – Recreational diving on wrecks 1. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-1) Angela Croome (January 16, 1999). "[Sinking fast](https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg16121696-000-sinking-fast/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20171225203002/https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg16121696-000-sinking-fast/) 2017-12-25 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine")", New Scientist, Volume 161, Issue 2169, pp. 49. 2. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-2) "Sinking fast", [Marine Industrial Technology, 1 and 2/1999](https://open.unido.org/api/documents/4813394/download/MARINE%20INDUSTRIAL%20TECHNOLOGY%201%20AND%202-1999.%20EMERGING%20TECHNOLOGY%20SERIES%20\(22293.en\)) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210224123545/https://open.unido.org/api/documents/4813394/download/MARINE%20INDUSTRIAL%20TECHNOLOGY%201%20AND%202-1999.%20EMERGING%20TECHNOLOGY%20SERIES%20\(22293.en\)) 2021-02-24 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), Emerging Technology Series, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, pp. 58. 3. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-3) Lucia Iglesias Kuntz (June 12, 2002), "[UNESCO urges the Americas to join the underwater heritage convention](http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=3304&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20171226020827/http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID%3D3304%26URL_DO%3DDO_TOPIC%26URL_SECTION%3D201.html) 2017-12-26 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine")", UNESCO Media Services. 4. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-4) "[Lisbon Resolution](https://sha.org/publication-links/newsletter/newsletter-archives/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20171225203031/https://sha.org/publication-links/newsletter/newsletter-archives/) 2017-12-25 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine")", Society for Historical Archaeology Newsletter, Summer 1999, Volume 32, Number 2, pp. 31. 5. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-5) ["Wrecks and Obstructions Database"](https://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/data/wrecks-and-obstructions.html). NOAA. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180405024308/https://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/data/wrecks-and-obstructions.html) from the original on 2018-04-05. Retrieved 2018-04-26. 6. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-ScurvyDeath2007_6-0) [Scurvy, Death and Cannibalism](https://web.archive.org/web/20080306183447/http://www.webcastr.com/videos/informational/scurvy-death-and-cannibalism.html) (internet video). Shipwreck Central. 2007. Archived from [the original](http://www.webcastr.com/videos/informational/scurvy-death-and-cannibalism.html) on 2008-03-06. 7. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-7) Parker, A.J. (1981). "Stratification and contamination in ancient Mediterranean shipwrecks". The International Journal of Nautical Archaeology and Underwater Exploration. 10 (4): 309–335\. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1111/j.1095-9270.1981.tb00045.x](https://doi.org/10.1111%2Fj.1095-9270.1981.tb00045.x). 8. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-8) ["Final Management Plan"](http://thunderbay.noaa.gov/pdfs/management%20plan_final.pdf#page=20) (PDF). Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. NOAA. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151112194943/http://thunderbay.noaa.gov/pdfs/management%20plan_final.pdf#page=20) (PDF) from the original on 12 November 2015. Retrieved 11 August 2015. 9. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-9) ["Hamilton's War of 1812 shipwrecks 'an archeologist's dream'"](http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/hamilton-s-war-of-1812-shipwrecks-an-archeologist-s-dream-1.1284755). cbc.ca. CBC News. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150924163740/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/hamilton-s-war-of-1812-shipwrecks-an-archeologist-s-dream-1.1284755) from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 11 August 2015. 10. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-10) Dominique (2010). ["Empress of Ireland (Canada)"](http://www.tekdiv.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=56&lang=en). Tekdiv Exploration. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140718180718/http://www.tekdiv.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=56&lang=en) from the original on 18 July 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2019. 11. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-11) Gilman, Sarah (December 5, 2016). ["How a Ship-Sinking Clam Conquered the Ocean"](http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/tunneling-clam-bedeviled-humans-sank-ships-conquered-oceans-180961288/). [Smithsonian Mag](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smithsonian_Mag "Smithsonian Mag"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190709052941/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/tunneling-clam-bedeviled-humans-sank-ships-conquered-oceans-180961288/) from the original on 9 July 2019. Retrieved 16 March 2019. 12. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-12) Steere, Mike (12 May 1996). ["Superior keeps its shipwrecks fresh Preservation: In the cold, almost sterile water at the bottom of the Great Lake, divers find the remains of marine disasters"](https://www.baltimoresun.com/1996/05/12/superior-keeps-its-shipwrecks-fresh-preservation-in-the-cold-almost-sterile-water-at-the-bottom-of-the-great-lake-divers-find-the-remains-of-marine-disasters/). [Baltimore Sun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore_Sun "Baltimore Sun"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181116061613/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1996-05-12/features/1996133022_1_lake-superior-great-lakes-lakes-shipping) from the original on 16 November 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2015. 13. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Smithsonian_Ocean_13-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Smithsonian_Ocean_13-1) Spalding, Mark J. (January 2013). ["Underwater WWII Wrecks – Pollution or Cultural Heritage? \\| Smithsonian Ocean"](https://ocean.si.edu/conservation/pollution/underwater-wwii-wrecks-pollution-or-cultural-heritage). Smithsonian Institution. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240723134206/https://ocean.si.edu/conservation/pollution/underwater-wwii-wrecks-pollution-or-cultural-heritage) from the original on 2024-07-23. Retrieved 2022-10-26. 14. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-14)* Michel, Jacqueline; Schmidt Etkin, Dagmar; Gilbert, Trevor; Urban, Robert; Waldron, Jon; Blocksidge, Charles T. (2005). ["Potentially Polluting Wrecks in Marine Waters: An Issue Paper Prepared for the 2005 International Oil Spill Conference"](https://web.archive.org/web/20221006045726/http://portal.helcom.fi/meetings/SUBMERGED%205-2016-377/Related%20Information/Potentially%20Polluting%20Wrecks%20in%20Marine%20Water_Michel_etal_2005.pdf) (PDF). Helcom: 8, 11. Archived from [the original](https://portal.helcom.fi/meetings/SUBMERGED%205-2016-377/Related%20Information/Potentially%20Polluting%20Wrecks%20in%20Marine%20Water_Michel_etal_2005.pdf) (PDF) on 2022-10-06. Retrieved 2022-10-26. 15. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Panetta_15-0) Panetta, L.E. (Chair) (2003). [America's living oceans: charting a course for sea change](https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/hsrp/admin/nov2004/oceans_report.pdf) (PDF). Pew Oceans Commission. p. 64. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240317004850/https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/hsrp/admin/nov2004/oceans_report.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 2024-03-17. Retrieved 2022-10-26. 16. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-VanLanduyt2022_16-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-VanLanduyt2022_16-1) Van Landuyt, Josefien; Kundu, Kankana; Van Haelst, Sven; Neyts, Marijke; Parmentier, Koen; De Rijcke, Maarten; Boon, Nico (2022-10-18). ["80 years later: Marine sediments still influenced by an old war ship"](https://doi.org/10.3389%2Ffmars.2022.1017136). Frontiers in Marine Science. 9* 1017136. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.3389/fmars.2022.1017136](https://doi.org/10.3389%2Ffmars.2022.1017136). [hdl](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hdl_\(identifier\) "Hdl (identifier)"):[1854/LU-01GKS4PJA2JJ06GXN0FQHFMB4D](https://hdl.handle.net/1854%2FLU-01GKS4PJA2JJ06GXN0FQHFMB4D). [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [2296-7745](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/2296-7745). 17. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-17) Brown, Valerie J. (April 2005). ["Warfare: Iraq's Toxic Shipwrecks"](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1278500). Environmental Health Perspectives. 113 (4): A230. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1289/ehp.113-a230](https://doi.org/10.1289%2Fehp.113-a230). [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [0091-6765](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0091-6765). [PMC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PMC_\(identifier\) "PMC (identifier)") [1278500](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1278500). [PMID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PMID_\(identifier\) "PMID (identifier)") [15811816](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15811816). 18. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Sven_2020_18-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Sven_2020_18-1) Sven, Van Haelst (2020). Mees, Jan; Seys, Jan (eds.). ["North Sea Wrecks: A future decision support tool for blue growth activities"](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342657720). Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee – Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ). 84: 83 – via ResearchGate. 19. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Termote_2009_19-0)* Termote, Tomas; Termote, Dirk (2009). Schatten en Scheepswrakken: boeiende onderwaterarcheologie in de Noordzee (in Dutch). Davidsfonds Leuven. 20. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-2) [d](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-3) [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-4) [f](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-5) [g](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-6) [h](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-7) [i](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-Edney_2006_20-8) Edney, Joanne (November 2006). ["Impacts of Recreational Scuba Diving on Shipwrecks in Australia and the Pacific - A Review"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210225221039/https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/tep/65664). Micronesian Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences. 5* (1/2 Combined). Albury NSW, Australia: Heritage Futures International. [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [1449-7336](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/1449-7336). Archived from [the original](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/242540533_Impacts_of_recreational_scuba_diving_on_shipwrecks_in_Australia_and_the_Pacific_A_review) on 2021-02-25. Retrieved 2020-03-16. 21. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-21) For example, under English law the former were dealt with under rules relating to things found on land, the latter were dealt with under Admiralty jurisdiction. 22. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-22) White, Stephen F. (5 October 2001). ["Treasure Salvage: Finders Keepers?"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150917131032/http://www.wcslaw.com/news/2001/10/05/treasure-salvage-finders-keepers/). wcslaw.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.wcslaw.com/news/2001/10/05/treasure-salvage-finders-keepers/) on 17 September 2015. Retrieved 16 March 2019. 23. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-23) Berger, Philip E.; Moore, Tim; McCrory, Pat (18 August 2015). ["HB 184"](http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2015/Bills/House/PDF/H184v7.pdf) (PDF). [General Assembly of North Carolina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Assembly_of_North_Carolina "General Assembly of North Carolina"). p. 6. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150928013307/http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2015/Bills/House/PDF/H184v7.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 28 September 2015. Retrieved 16 March 2019. 24. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-24) For example, the US [Abandoned Shipwrecks Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abandoned_Shipwrecks_Act "Abandoned Shipwrecks Act") 1987 and the Spanish Estatuto No 60/62, 24 December 1962 25. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-25) Robinson v Western Australian Museum (1977) 51 ALJR 806 at 820-821, although significantly the court held that it had not been abandoned despite the fact the ship, the Gilt Dragon, was lost in 1656. 26. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-26) N. Rt. 346 (1970 N.D. 107), per Eckhoff J. ([Supreme Court of Norway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_Norway "Supreme Court of Norway")), "It is possible that an owner's inactivity over a long period of time, taking into account the circumstances, can be sufficient reason for considering that the proprietary right to the wrecked vessel has been relinquished. ... \[But\] inactivity over a certain number of years cannot in itself be conclusive." 27. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-27) In Treasure Salvors Inc. v Unidentified Wreck \[1978\] AMC 1404, \[1981\] AMC 1857 relating to [the Atocha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_ship_Nuestra_Se%C3%B1ora_de_Atocha_\(1620\) "Spanish ship Nuestra Señora de Atocha (1620)") the courts treated the wreck and cargo as abandoned, arguing it would be an "absurd fiction" to regard a centuries-old shipwreck as still owned by the original owner. But in Columbus America Discovery Groupo v Unidentified Wreck \[1990\] AMC 2409, (1992) 337 LMNL 1 the courts were prepared to uphold the claims of the original insurers to the cargo subject to their providing the necessary proof, which they were unable to do. 28. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-28) ["Napoli 'scavenging' beach to open"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070317035032/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/6450219.stm). [BBC News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_News "BBC News"). [BBC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC "BBC"). 14 March 2007. Archived from [the original](http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/6450219.stm) on 17 March 2007. Retrieved 19 September 2009. 29. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-29) ["ROW- The reporting process"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080225222905/http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-environmental/mcga-dops_row_receiver_of_wreck/mcga-dops_row_report.htm). [Maritime and Coastguard Agency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_and_Coastguard_Agency "Maritime and Coastguard Agency"). Archived from [the original](http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-environmental/mcga-dops_row_receiver_of_wreck/mcga-dops_row_report.htm) on 25 February 2008. Retrieved 18 May 2013. 30. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-30) ["Wreck and salvage law - Detailed guidance"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110128191037/http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-environmental/mcga-dops_row_receiver_of_wreck/mcga-dops_row_penalties.htm). [Maritime and Coastguard Agency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_and_Coastguard_Agency "Maritime and Coastguard Agency"). 14 September 2012. Archived from [the original](http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-environmental/mcga-dops_row_receiver_of_wreck/mcga-dops_row_penalties.htm) on 28 January 2011. Retrieved 17 September 2015. 31. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-31) ["Structural failure of container vessel MSC Napoli and subsequent beaching Marine Accident Investigation Branch report"](https://web.archive.org/web/20071018170141/http://mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-newsroom/incident/dops_-_hq-napoli_15_february_.htm). [Maritime and Coastguard Agency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_and_Coastguard_Agency "Maritime and Coastguard Agency"). 18 January 2007. Archived from [the original](http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-newsroom/incident/dops_-_hq-napoli_15_february_.htm) on 18 October 2007. Retrieved 17 September 2015. 32. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-32) ["What Lies Beneath"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/documentaries/2008/08/080821_what_lies_beneath.shtml). [BBC Radio World Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_Radio_World_Service "BBC Radio World Service") Broadcast. [Bbc.co.uk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bbc.co.uk "Bbc.co.uk"). 22 August 2008. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170106092046/http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/documentaries/2008/08/080821_what_lies_beneath.shtml) from the original on 6 January 2017. Retrieved 19 September 2009. 33. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-33) Schuster, Angela M.H. (May–June 1979). ["Blackbeard's Flagship"](http://archive.archaeology.org/9705/newsbriefs/blackbeard.html). Archaeology Magazine Archive. [Archaeological Institute of America](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archaeological_Institute_of_America "Archaeological Institute of America"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150827035802/http://archive.archaeology.org/9705/newsbriefs/blackbeard.html) from the original on 27 August 2015. Retrieved 17 September 2015. 34. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-34) ["Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage"](https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20080815180246/http://portal.unesco.org/culture/en/ev.php-URL_ID=34114&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html). [UNESCO](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNESCO "UNESCO"). 2001. Archived from [the original](http://portal.unesco.org/culture/en/ev.php-URL_ID=34114&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html) on 15 August 2008. Retrieved 19 September 2009. 35. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-35) Roberts, Hayley (2018). ["The British Ratification of the Underwater Heritage Convention: Problems and Prospects"](https://research.bangor.ac.uk/portal/en/researchoutputs/the-british-ratification-of-the-underwater-heritage-convention-problems-and-prospects\(5d0f3e40-6d37-42bb-805c-8de96b82dbae\).html). International & Comparative Law Quarterly. 67 (4): 833–865\. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1017/S0020589318000210](https://doi.org/10.1017%2FS0020589318000210). [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [0020-5893](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0020-5893). [S2CID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S2CID_\(identifier\) "S2CID (identifier)") [149780539](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:149780539). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200610223253/https://research.bangor.ac.uk/portal/en/researchoutputs/the-british-ratification-of-the-underwater-heritage-convention-problems-and-prospects\(5d0f3e40-6d37-42bb-805c-8de96b82dbae\).html) from the original on 2020-06-10. Retrieved 2020-05-23. 36. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipwreck#cite_ref-36) Hogan, C.Michael (27 September 2011). ["SS Gairsoppa recovery"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130604011024/http://www.eoearth.org/article/SS_Gairsoppa_recovery?topic=49523). In Saundry, Peter; Cleveland, C.J. (eds.). [Encyclopedia of Earth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encyclopedia_of_Earth "Encyclopedia of Earth"). Washington DC: [National Council for Science and the Environment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Council_for_Science_and_the_Environment "National Council for Science and the Environment"). Archived from [the original](http://www.eoearth.org/article/SS_Gairsoppa_recovery?topic=49523) on 4 June 2013. Retrieved 16 March 2019. - Jamieson, Alan G. (2022), Out of the Depths: A History of Shipwrecks, Reaktion Books, [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9781789146196](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781789146196 "Special:BookSources/9781789146196") - Larn, Richard; Larn, Bridget; Lloyd's Register of Shipping (1995), Shipwreck index of the British Isles, Lloyd's Register of Shipping ; Vol.1 - The South West [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [0-900528-88-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-900528-88-5 "Special:BookSources/0-900528-88-5") ; Vol.2 - The South Coast,[ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [0-900528-99-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-900528-99-0 "Special:BookSources/0-900528-99-0") ; Vol.3 - The East Coast,[ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [1-900839-10-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-900839-10-5 "Special:BookSources/1-900839-10-5") ; Vol.4 - Scotland, [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [1-900839-01-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-900839-01-6 "Special:BookSources/1-900839-01-6") ; Vol.5 - West Coast & Wales, [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [1-900839-61-X](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-900839-61-X "Special:BookSources/1-900839-61-X") ; Vol. 6- Ireland (all) [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [1-900839-03-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-900839-03-2 "Special:BookSources/1-900839-03-2") - Muckenhaupt, P. G. (2018), Treasure Pirates Shipwrecks Gold and Silver, Amazon Digital Services LLC [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9781729469668](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781729469668 "Special:BookSources/9781729469668") [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/40px-Commons-logo.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Commons-logo.svg) Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Shipwrecks](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Shipwrecks "commons:Category:Shipwrecks"). - [UNESCO 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage](https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20080815180246/http://portal.unesco.org/culture/en/ev.php-URL_ID=34114&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html) - [WreckSite.eu](http://www.wrecksite.eu/), worldwide database of + 105,000 wrecks with history, maritime charts and GPS positions (subscription required) (in Dutch, English, French, German, and Spanish) - [NOAA Wrecks and Obstructions Database](http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/hsd/wrecks_and_obstructions.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210723033310/https://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/hsd/wrecks_and_obstructions.html) 2021-07-23 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") - [Wreck Diving in the Graveyard of the Atlantic](http://www.nc-wreckdiving.com/) - [Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary](http://thunderbay.noaa.gov/welcome.html) - [Battle Over Shipwreck Photos Brews in N.C.](https://web.archive.org/web/20150816004056/http://www.courthousenews.com/2015/08/12/battle-over-shipwreck-photos-brews-in-n-c.htm), Courthouse News - [N.C Supreme Court revives lawsuit over Blackbeard's ship and lost Spanish treasure ship](https://www.fayobserver.com/news/20191111/nc-supreme-court-revives-lawsuit-over-blackbeards-ship-and-lost-spanish-treasure-ship), Fayetteville Observer
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