Scientists solve the mystery of a strange object found on a beach after the hurricane

A piece of the past has returned to haunt a Florida beach after a curious wooden and metal object emerged in the aftermath of Hurricane Nicole last month. Initial speculation suggested the find could be part of an old pier or possibly a shipwreck. Now researchers say it is likely the remains of a freighter from the 1800s.

The debris drew attention when swimmers spotted it on Daytona Beach Shores. A team from the St. Augustine Lighthouse Maritime Archaeological Program (LAMP) investigated the remains this week. “It would likely have sailed within sight of the coast and used lighthouses for navigation, although it was likely large enough to cross the Atlantic as well,” LAMP archaeologist Chuck Meide said in a Facebook post on Tuesday. .

The ship was partially buried in sand by the time the LAMP team arrived, but reports had estimated the wreckage to be at least 80 feet (24 meters) long.

The Florida Public Archeology Network, a state-supported program focused on studying and protecting the state’s archaeological resources, also commented on the sinking on Facebook, stressing that historic discoveries like this shouldn’t be seen as invitations to dig for other, potentially disturbing treasures. important cultural heritage sites.

Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd echoed that sentiment in LAMP’s statement, saying, “Please only take photos and leave only footprints in order to preserve the integrity of archaeological sites. for future generations of Floridians”.

Heavy storms like Hurricane Nicole can scour beaches and uncover previously hidden pieces of history. Just as easily, the ocean and the movement of sand can pick them up. That seems to be what’s happening with the Daytona Beach Shores ship.

Her brief moment in the sun gave researchers a glimpse into Florida’s maritime past. “In these cases,” Byrd said, “our collective human history comes to the fore.”