BREAKING NEWS: Archaeologists have uncovered a treasure trove of four historic shipwrecks in the marshes of Brunswick County, North Carolina, including the legendary Spanish ship La Fortuna, which was destroyed during a local uprising in 1748. This major discovery was made by researchers from East Carolina University over the past two months at the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site (BTFA).
The discovery is significant as La Fortuna is the only documented Spanish shipwreck in the region. Its remains were found just a cannonball’s distance from where an 18th-century cannon, possibly from the same vessel, was retrieved from the riverbed in the 1980s. This connection adds an intriguing layer to the historical narrative surrounding the ship.
Graduate student Cory van Hees and his dive partner initially stumbled upon the wreck while measuring colonial wharf timbers. Their find, characterized by perfectly symmetrical planks and frames, prompted them to call in Dr. Jason Raupp, an expert in maritime studies, who confirmed the discovery of a shipwreck that may belong to La Fortuna.
The three additional wrecks, while not as famous, also hold historical significance. One was located near a colonial wharf, another is believed to have been a flatboat transporting goods before the American Revolution, and details about the last wreck remain a mystery. The team’s excavations also revealed colonial waterfront infrastructure, further affirming that BTFA was once a bustling 18th-century port.
This urgent discovery, however, comes with a pressing challenge. The newly exposed wrecks are now at risk of erosion due to tides and storms. The archaeological team has been racing against time to document and preserve these sites. They managed to salvage over 40 timbers from the suspected La Fortuna for further preservation in their lab.
The unearthing of these shipwrecks not only highlights the rich maritime history of North Carolina but also underscores the delicate balance between uncovering the past and protecting it. As experts work to understand these vessels, the race to safeguard them continues.
Stay tuned as more details emerge from this extraordinary discovery and its implications for our understanding of colonial maritime history. The excitement surrounding these shipwrecks is palpable, and history enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting further findings from this crucial site.