Scientists Solve Mystery of Strange Object Found on Beach After Hurricane

A chunk of the previous has returned to hang-out a Florida seashore after a curious object made from wooden and metallic emerged within the aftermath of Hurricane Nicole final month. Preliminary hypothesis recommended the discover is likely to be a part of an outdated pier or maybe a shipwreck. Now researchers say it is doubtless the stays of a cargo ship from the 1800s.

The particles attracted consideration when beachgoers noticed it on Daytona Seaside Shores. A staff from the St. Augustine Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program (LAMP) investigated the remnants this week. “It could have doubtless sailed close by of the coast and used lighthouses for navigation, although it was most likely sufficiently big to cross the Atlantic as effectively,” mentioned LAMP archaeologist Chuck Meide in a Fb assertion on Tuesday.

The ship was partially reburied within the sand by the point the LAMP staff arrived, however reviews had estimated the wreckage to be at the least 80 ft (24 meters) lengthy.

The Florida Public Archaeology Community, a state-supported program centered on finding out and defending the state’s archaeological assets, additionally commented on the shipwreck on Fb, emphasizing that historic finds like this should not be seen as invites to dig for additional treasures, doubtlessly disturbing vital cultural heritage websites. 

Florida Secretary of State Wire Byrd echoed that sentiment within the LAMP assertion, saying, “Please take solely footage and go away solely footprints in order to protect the integrity of archaeological websites for future generations of Floridians.”

Sturdy storms like Hurricane Nicole can scour seashores and uncover beforehand hidden items of historical past. Simply as simply, the ocean and motion of sand can reclaim them. That appears to be what’s occurring with the Daytona Seaside Shores ship. 

Its temporary second within the solar gave researchers a peek into Florida’s maritime previous. “In these instances,” Byrd mentioned, “our collective human story is delivered to the forefront.”