Florida shipwrecks have been accumulating for many centuries. Some of the vessels were on trading missions when they became victims of natural disasters, such as hurricanes. Treasure-hunters from Spain also lost many vessels in the area. During World War II, heavy attacks from German submarines in the region left a lot of maritime wreckage.
These waters provide the final resting place for many warships, yachts and tankers. The Sunshine State's 1,200 miles of coastal areas are littered with the wreckage of about 5,000 sunken vessels. Stretching south-southwest of the state, the Keys is a chain of 4,500 islands. They extend for 200 miles, and are home to 1,000 sunken ships. The high population of submarine wreckage has influenced the names of many islands. Remnants of the 1748 crash of H. M. S. Fowey, which was a British warship, rest along Fowey Rocks. The loss of the U. S. S. Alligator in 1822 led to the official name designation of Alligator Reef.
The United Nations estimates there are more than three million vessels littering the ocean floor. Experts say they are valuable because they can preserve historical information. Maritime archaeologists can study the remnants to gain insights into ancient cultural elements, including seafaring, treasure hunting and military campaigns.
Several factors affect the state of preservation. They include the depth of water, strength of tides, salinity of sea, presence of marine animals, exposure to surface elements, water temperature and acidity. Additionally, the original construction materials and whether the vessel is covered by sand or silt affect deterioration speed.
The exposure of wood to seawater promotes decay. For example, 100 years after a wooden ship sinks, it will be completely decomposed unless buried by sand or silt. The sinking of the British Warship, the Mary Rose, is a prime example. She sank in the waters off the Isle of Wight in 1545 and was quickly buried by sand. After its recovery in 1982, experts found many well-preserved artifacts from the Tudor period.
Seawater tends to decay vessels more quickly than fresh water. The high salinity corrodes elements made from iron. In addition, sea creatures quickly attack wooden components. Wood-boring animals, such as shipworms, can destroy entire hulls.
Wreckage along the seabed is also exposed to destructive tidal forces and wave action. The vessels that sink the deepest are less vulnerable to these forces.
Florida shipwrecks are numerous. They provide insights into the long and rich maritime history of the area. In addition to archaeological value, they providing great opportunities for divers to view a wide array of sealife. Read more about: florida shipwrecks
These waters provide the final resting place for many warships, yachts and tankers. The Sunshine State's 1,200 miles of coastal areas are littered with the wreckage of about 5,000 sunken vessels. Stretching south-southwest of the state, the Keys is a chain of 4,500 islands. They extend for 200 miles, and are home to 1,000 sunken ships. The high population of submarine wreckage has influenced the names of many islands. Remnants of the 1748 crash of H. M. S. Fowey, which was a British warship, rest along Fowey Rocks. The loss of the U. S. S. Alligator in 1822 led to the official name designation of Alligator Reef.
The United Nations estimates there are more than three million vessels littering the ocean floor. Experts say they are valuable because they can preserve historical information. Maritime archaeologists can study the remnants to gain insights into ancient cultural elements, including seafaring, treasure hunting and military campaigns.
Several factors affect the state of preservation. They include the depth of water, strength of tides, salinity of sea, presence of marine animals, exposure to surface elements, water temperature and acidity. Additionally, the original construction materials and whether the vessel is covered by sand or silt affect deterioration speed.
The exposure of wood to seawater promotes decay. For example, 100 years after a wooden ship sinks, it will be completely decomposed unless buried by sand or silt. The sinking of the British Warship, the Mary Rose, is a prime example. She sank in the waters off the Isle of Wight in 1545 and was quickly buried by sand. After its recovery in 1982, experts found many well-preserved artifacts from the Tudor period.
Seawater tends to decay vessels more quickly than fresh water. The high salinity corrodes elements made from iron. In addition, sea creatures quickly attack wooden components. Wood-boring animals, such as shipworms, can destroy entire hulls.
Wreckage along the seabed is also exposed to destructive tidal forces and wave action. The vessels that sink the deepest are less vulnerable to these forces.
Florida shipwrecks are numerous. They provide insights into the long and rich maritime history of the area. In addition to archaeological value, they providing great opportunities for divers to view a wide array of sealife. Read more about: florida shipwrecks
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