URGENT UPDATE: The Chesapeake Bay, a historic treasure trove, is home to an astonishing 8,000 shipwrecks, revealing tales of lost treasures and maritime mysteries. Recent investigations confirm that beneath its surface lie stories that captivate both historians and divers, making the bay a focal point for underwater archaeology.
Reports from Maryland indicate that the bay’s depths, encompassing 4,080 square miles, have long been rumored to hold pirate gold and lost vessels, including the notorious USS Tulip, a Union gunboat that sank in 1864 under tragic circumstances, claiming 49 lives. The urgency to explore and protect these wrecks has never been more critical.
Diving enthusiasts and archaeologists, led by figures like Don Shomette, are passionate about uncovering these maritime relics. “A shipwreck is a time capsule from the moment it sank,” Shomette stated. With backgrounds ranging from professional divers to marine biologists, the diverse team is dedicated to preserving these underwater artifacts.
The Maryland Maritime Archaeology Program (MMAP), established in 1988, plays a vital role in this mission. Former director Susan Langley emphasized the program’s focus on protecting shipwreck sites, especially during construction projects that might threaten their integrity. Public engagement initiatives like the Shipwreck Tagging Archaeological Management Program (STAMP) encourage citizen participation in tracking and preserving these historical sites.
Among the notable shipwrecks is the Herbert D. Maxwell, a four-masted cargo schooner that sank in 1912 after a collision with the SS Gloucester. Lying at a depth of 70 feet, the wreck has become a popular dive site, fascinating adventurers with its well-preserved condition and the story of its cargo—a staggering 1,150 tons of fertilizer.
The MMAP recently faced the challenges of unauthorized salvage attempts, particularly highlighted by the looting of the USS Tulip’s remains. As Langley stated, the loss of artifacts has been a significant concern, prompting increased regulations to protect these underwater graves.
Significant finds in the bay have spurred legislative changes, leading to the Abandoned Shipwreck Act of 1987 and the Sunken Military Craft Act of 2004. These laws now protect shipwrecks and impose hefty fines for violations, enhancing preservation efforts.
The bay also hosts the Ghost Fleet of World War I, approximately 200 steamships now resting near Nanjemoy, Maryland. This unique collection, scuttled post-war, was designated a National Marine Sanctuary in 2019, attracting kayakers and history buffs alike.
Another fascinating site is the wreck of the U-1105, a World War II Nazi U-boat. Designated a Maryland State Underwater Archaeological Preserve in 1995, this wreck allows divers to explore a piece of military history buried approximately 90 feet below the Potomac River.
As exploration continues, the future of these shipwrecks remains a priority. The MMAP urges divers and treasure hunters to respect the sanctity of these sites, ensuring they remain a source of education and awe for generations to come.
As Shomette aptly noted, “These shipwrecks mark out the history of the bay,” reminding us of the rich tapestry of human experience beneath the waves.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops and the ongoing efforts to uncover and preserve the Chesapeake Bay’s hidden treasures continue. Have a tip? Contact Jonathan M. Pitts at [email protected].
