Shipwreck Found May be the Santa Maria

Topaz Gem · ‎03-10-2010

Has anyone else been following this story? Barry Clifford, an underwater explorer, is confident that a sunken shipwreck found off Haiti is the Santa Maria which once belonged to Christopher Columbus from his first voyage to the Americas.

Several years ago, a cannon was found at the wreck which was similar to cannons used in Columbus' time. Clifford recently returned with experts and the cannon, along with other items has since been looted. They were able to examine some stones at the site which matched stones that came from the part of Spain where the ship was built.

I find this fascinating. The ship is only 10 to 15 feet beneath the surface and is stuck on a reef on Haiti's northern coast. The ship is in good enough shape to be excavated, which Clifford is hoping to do with help from the Haitian government.

History's biggest mysteries

"Summer afternoon-summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language." ~Henry James

deepwaterdotter · ‎03-09-2010

I find this fascinating if true. Can you imagine actually being able to see even remnants of such a historic ship?

JustJazzmom · ‎03-09-2010

The Haitian government has no money to fund this excavation. They are a very 'poor' nation economically. He should ask the US or even Spain for assistance.

☼The best place to seek God is in a garden. You can dig for him there. GBShaw☼

Topaz Gem · ‎03-10-2010

On 5/13/2014 deepwaterdotter said:
I find this fascinating if true. Can you imagine actually being able to see even remnants of such a historic ship?

I thought the same thing, Deep. Clifford told CNN that "this is the ship that changed the course of human history." He's right. I'm not sure what type of help he's looking for from the Haitian government, but maybe he needs their permission since the ship is in Haitian waters. I'm sure he can obtain financial backing from the U.S. and/or private investors. What a find that would be.

"Summer afternoon-summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language." ~Henry James

Linders Back · ‎03-10-2010

My guess is that the "help" he needs from Haiti is permission, not money. Haiti probably will want money from him to give their permission. Wink

Either way, this is very cool.

scotttie · ‎03-09-2010

cool

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

I heard about this for the first time on the news today, and have to say I'm fascinated. This would be so cool. I just hope that between jurisdictional issues and looters, that it is able to be brought up, restoration work done to what they can, and whatever they can salvage will be available to be seen by many. The historical significance of this find is beyond belief, so very exciting.

Topaz Gem · ‎03-10-2010

On 5/13/2014 mominohio said:
I heard about this for the first time on the news today, and have to say I'm fascinated. This would be so cool. I just hope that between jurisdictional issues and looters, that it is able to be brought up, restoration work done to what they can, and whatever they can salvage will be available to be seen by many. The historical significance of this find is beyond belief, so very exciting.

I hope so too. If the ship was able to be raised and located somewhere in Haiti where the general population could view it, it may turn out to be a cash cow for the island of Haiti, and goodness knows they need all the help they can get after all the disasters they've endured.

"Summer afternoon-summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language." ~Henry James