News
Researchers retrieve North Carolina shipwreck’s treasures
State underwater archaeologists have been pulling up treasures from the Queen Anne’s Revenge shipwreck in Beaufort Inlet, including two small cannons and cannonballs.
Divers began their fall dive season Aug. 5 and will continue excavation of the site through Oct. 31, according to Billy Ray Morris, QAR project director and deputy state archaeologist.
“We’re pulling up objects nearly every day,” Mr. Morris said Tuesday. “We’re working the main artifacts pile in the mid-ship area.”
While many of the items brought up so far have been ballast stones, which have smaller artifacts embedded in them, archaeologists retrieved two small cannons Aug. 16. The cannons, along with other artifacts, have been transported to the conservation lab in Greenville.
Mr. Morris said the small cannons shot 2-pound balls and were about 4-foot long.
Artifacts found in the ballast stones brought up from the site include cannonballs, lead shot and sounding weights, which were weights dropped to the ocean floor to discover the depth of the water.
Mr. Morris said he’s hoping to bring up three larger cannons later in the fall once a state vessel large enough to hoist them is available.
Archaeologists had hoped to bring up eight cannons in May and June during the spring dive season, but high winds and waves prevented them from reaching their goal.
They did manage in June to bring up two cannons that are six-pounders (shot 6-pound cannonballs).
Those two make 15 cannons retrieved from the site since its discovery in November 1996. Twenty-seven cannons have been discovered at the wreck so far.
Mr. Morris said the weather has cooperated for the fall dive season and he hopes it continues.
The state has set a goal of retrieving all artifacts by the end of 2014, and Mr. Morris said, if the weather cooperates, he believes he can achieve the goal.
As for funding, Mr. Morris said representatives from the State Department of Cultural Resources have been meeting with Friends of the Queen Anne’s Revenge, the nonprofit fundraising organization for the project, to discuss ways to raise money to keep the project afloat.
The state pays the salaries of state archaeologists, conservators and part-time assistants, but there are no state funds provided for operations, according to Mr. Morris.
Since exploration of the shipwreck began in 1997, about 280,000 artifacts have been recovered, including cannons, anchors, ship’s bell, medical and navigational instruments, grenades and platters.
Many of those items are on display at the N.C. Maritime Museum in Beaufort, and others are part of traveling exhibits around the state.
The QAR wreck was discovered in November 1996 by Intersal Inc., with information provided to Operations Director Mike Daniel by company president Phil Masters. Archaeologists with the Underwater Archaeology Branch in the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources lead the research on this shipwreck.
Historical records indicate the pirate Blackbeard ran the Queen Anne’s Revenge aground in Beaufort in 1718.
Photo: Cheryl Burke
Source: http://www.carolinacoastonline.com/news_times/
This weekend, Liquid Sports will be at Wraysbury Dive Centre with an exciting lineup of premium dive gear and exclusive offers for visitors to the event.
Divers can get hands-on with the latest from Bigblue Dive Lights, Poseidon Diving Systems, Sharkskin Technical Watersports Apparel, and Ursuit Drysuits.
You’ll have the chance to demo a Poseidon regulator during the event, and if you decide to purchase one over the weekend, you’ll receive a 10% discount plus some special Poseidon goodies as a thank-you.
Whether you’re in the market for new equipment or just want to see what’s new in the dive world, make sure to stop by the Liquid Sports stand at Wraysbury this weekend.
For more information, contact:
Liquid Sports
📞 07585 935522
📧 info@liquidsports.co.uk
🌐 www.liquidsports.co.uk
This year diving holiday specialist Dive Worldwide is proudly celebrating their 25th anniversary.
For over a quarter of a century, their expert team of experienced divers have taken enormous pride in offering liveaboard and resort-based holidays as well as creating many thousands of magical tailor-made and small group diving itineraries in over 200 locations worldwide.
To celebrate 25 years of Dive Worldwide, we spotlight a few of their longstanding partnerships and client-favourite accommodation options that have been enjoyed by hundreds of their valued clients over the years. As with all of Dive Worldwide’s portfolio, these partners not only offer exceptional diving, but memorable accommodation and the very best service too, creating precious memories for divers.
This month, you can save £100pp on new, flight inclusive holidays with Dive Worldwide when you book by 27 June 2025. To claim your discount, quote code: ScubaverseJ25
You can find out more about Dive Worldwide online, submit an enquiry or call their expert team on 01962 302087.
Dewi Nusantara Liveaboard, Indonesia
Dewi Nusantara is Southeast Asia’s largest, most iconic and elegant liveaboard, custom-built for lengthy scuba diving explorations. Transporting you to one of the most remote and spectacular diving destinations on Earth, you can enjoy luxury, world-class diving across the vibrant seas of the Coral Triangle, exploring world-renowned reefs at Raja Ampat, Triton Bay, the Forgotten Islands and Cenderawasih Bay.
To celebrate 25 years, the Dive Worldwide team are jumping aboard Dewi Nusantara this summer and inviting you to join them! Dive with Product Manager Joanna Charter to The Birdshead Peninsular, departing 3 July 2025 or join Dive Sales Consultant, Philippa Anderson to North Raja Ampat, departing 16 August 2025.
Book now to save 25% on selected last-minute summer 2025 Dewi Nusantara itineraries.
Beth S. travelled on Dewi Nusantara with Dive Worldwide in November and said “Dewi Nusantara was a premium liveaboard experience – the service, the diving, the food and the accommodation were all absolutely incredible. There’s nothing I would change about this experience and I will be going back!”
Find out more about Dewi Nusantara Liveaboard
Vilamendhoo Island Resort, Maldives
One of the classic Maldivian dive resorts, Vilamendhoo Island Resort is a quintessential paradise for snorkellers and divers, regularly welcoming Dive Worldwide’s eager clients.
Located in the southeast corner of the South Ari Atoll, this beautiful resort sits alongside a turquoise lagoon and 900 metre wide sand beach. Choose from a variety of comfortable room types, all featuring their own private patio area.
A Euro Divers PADI 5-star dive centre is just a few metres from the house reef, operating scuba diving and snorkelling activities. There’s a marine biology centre too, led by the Manta Trust who regularly run workshops for guests.
Benedict W. stayed at Vilamendhoo Island Resort in March after booking through Dive Worldwide and thought, “It’s a very comfortable resort with an excellent dive centre. The water bungalows are very spacious.”
Discover Vilamendhoo Island Resort
Siladen Resort & Spa, Indonesia
The Siladen Resort & Spa has hosted countless Dive Worldwide clients over the years, and it’s easy to see why. Guests love this exclusive award-winning boutique dive resort for its hidden location in the heart of the marine-rich Bunaken Marine Park, secluded accommodation, tropical gardens and elegant and relaxing atmosphere.
It’s suitable for both divers and snorkellers and there are a variety of topside and sea excursions available. Facilities include a restaurant and lounge bar, a saltwater pool and a spa where a full range of local treatments and massages are available.
here’s an onsite PADI 5-star dive centre too, strategically located in the marine park.
David B. travelled in February and said, “Our booking through Dive Worldwide was very smooth and well handled, and the staff at Siladen were outstanding and took care of our requests.”
Atmosphere Resort & Spa, Philippines
This owner-operated luxury resort in Dauin has retained its place as a firm favourite in the hearts of Dive Worldwide clients for 25 years. Not far from some of the best macro dive sites in the Philippines, guests are met with the warmest of Philippine hospitality combined with first-class amenities and services.
Surrounded by beautiful coconut plantations and perched between the mountains and the ocean, this stunning resort has a fantastic choice of accommodation options and facilities to enjoy, plus off-site activities can be arranged at the tour desk.
There’s an on-site PADI 5-star Instructor Development Centre. Here, photographers are well catered for with an on-site professional and a fully equipped, dedicated camera room.
Alison R. stayed at Atmosphere Resort & Spa in November and said, “The diving was fabulous and the Dive Worldwide team made it very special.”
A Message from Dive Worldwide’s Founder
Dive Worldwide recognise that their success is shared with the fantastic partners they work with to deliver exceptional diving adventures for eager divers. Here’s what Founder & Director Teresa Bennett had to say about reaching this significant milestone:
“When I founded Dive Worldwide 25 years ago, I couldn’t have imagined the remarkable journey we would take. I’m incredibly proud of the reputation we’ve built, the professional and dedicated team behind our success and all the unique experiences we continue to offer our valued clients.”
What better way to select your next diving holiday than calling on Dive Worldwide’s 25 years of experience, especially when you can save £100pp?
Find out more about Dive Worldwide, submit an enquiry or call their expert team today on 01962 302087.
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