Archaeological exploration of site #31CR314 began in 1997 under the direction of the North Carolina State Underwater Archaeology Branch.  Initially, archaeologists recovered diagnostic artifacts, such as cannon and a variety of small objects, in an attempt to identify the site. They also assessed the environmental setting and influences surrounding the shipwreck.  During the first four years, research efforts focused on documenting what was exposed at the site, determining what physical changes occur during an annual cycle, and exploring buried remains through remote sensing and limited excavation. Based on the site's significance, the environmental risks posed to the site itself, and the foreseen benefit to the general public,  archaeologists determined that a full site excavation was the most desirable plan of action.

The wrecksite is 160' long and approximately 80' across at its widest point.  Because of the time-intensive nature of underwater archaeology,  excavation efforts are expected to last through 2012.   Using a site map, the wreck is divided into 5' x 5' grid sections, with each section assigned a unique number.  Archaeologists use these numbers to not only track the progress of excavation, but more importantly, to document the locations of recovered artifacts.

Underwater, the grid sections are marked with moveable square frames made from aluminum and PVC, and anchored to the sea bottom with steel rods.  Large suction hoses are used to clear as much as three feet of sand, called "overburden", off the top of the wreck site, revealing the remains of the ship below.  The sand is sucked through the hoses and up to the boat where it is run through a large slouce system.  The slouce is designed to "sift" through the sand and catch small objects, such as lead shot, gold, and coins, that divers may not have seen underwater.  

Once the overburden is removed, archaeologists sketch the contents of each grid section, giving each element its own identification number.  Artifacts are tagged with their number and recovered using baskets and cranes, depending on their size and weight.  Once on the surface, the artifacts are photographed and logged before immediately entering the conservation phase.

The drawings and photographs obtained during excavation are entered into 3D imaging software called CAD.  The grid sections are placed relative to one another, giving archaeologists a complete image of how the site looked prior to artifact recovery.  When conducting an archaeological excavation, it is essential to preserve "provenience", or where artifacts were situated on the site.  This information provides archaeologists with essential clues about how the ship was constructed, how the pirates may have lived aboard the vessel, and the circumstances surrounding the ship's sinking.

Continue to Conservation