The News

Historic, 19th century shipwreck discovered in northern Gulf of Mexico

Archaeological

Thursday, 17 May 2012 09:29

Credit: NOAA Okeanos ExplorerProgram

During a recent Gulf of Mexico expedition, NOAA, BOEM and partners discovered an historic wooden-hulled vessel which is believed to have sunk as long as 200 years ago. Scientists on board the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer used underwater robots with lights and high definition cameras to view remnants of the ship laden with anchors, navigational instruments, glass bottles, ceramic plates, cannons, and boxes of muskets.

Equipped with telepresence technology,Okeanos Explorer reached audiences around the world who participated in the expedition through live streaming Internet video. As members of the public ashore watched live video from the ocean bottom, they became “citizen explorers,” sharing in the discovery with maritime archaeologists, scientists and resource managers from a variety of federal, academic, and private organizations.

The NOAA-funded 56-day expedition that ended April 29 was exploring poorly known regions of the Gulf, mapping and imaging unknown or little-known features and habitats, developing and testing a method to measure the rate that gas rises from naturally-occurring seeps on the seafloor, and investigating potential shipwreck sites.

The shipwreck site was originally identified as an unknown sonar contact during a 2011 oil and gas survey for Shell Oil Company. The Department of Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) requested this and other potential shipwreck sites be investigated during NOAA’s Gulf of Mexico expedition. Surveys and archaeological assessments are required by BOEM to aid in its decision-making prior to issuing permits for bottom-disturbing activities related to oil and gas exploration and development.

Read more: Historic, 19th century shipwreck discovered in northern Gulf of Mexico

More than 200 Roman coins found in Staffordshire field

Treasure

Wednesday, 16 May 2012 11:24

by Paul Suart

UK - A Hednesford man could have stumbled across the next Staffordshire Hoard after finding hundreds of rare Roman coins with his metal detector near Stoke-on-Trent.

Dad-of-three Scott Heeley found 211 silver Roman coins and 69 fragments dating back to the first and second centuries on farmland.

“It’s so exciting – my feet have not touched the floor since,” said the 50-year-old.

“I found an old penny and told my mate Jack ‘this penny will bring me luck’ and I put it in my pocket.

“Moments later my metal detector started beeping and I found three silver coins in a hole.

“The detector carried on bleeping so I dug deeper and pulled out loads of silver coins from the hole.”
Scott found the coins in a field during a trip with Castle Bromwich-based metal detectorist club Timeline Detection.

They have yet to be valued but Tom Brindle, find liaison officer at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, said it was an important discovery.

Read more: More than 200 Roman coins found in Staffordshire field

In search of lost cities

Travel

Saturday, 24 March 2012 16:31

By Ute Junker

Are you ready for an Indiana Jones-style adventure? Remote locations, vanished cultures, searing deserts and ancient canyons, all with a side serve of buried treasure or mystical insight: what more can you ask from a holiday? These six destinations offer as many thrills as you can handle, as shown by our special rating system. One hat is suitable for adventure novices; three hats are perfect for the most intrepid explorers. Grab your bullwhip and get ready for a wild ride.

Read more: In search of lost cities

Treasure Hunters Claim Victory in Florida Battle

Wreckdiver's Blog

Monday, 05 March 2012 22:14

By Tommy Vawter, TreasureWorks.com

FLORIDA – It was learned late today that Senator Hays today pulled the HB 868, and that the Bill titled Archeological Sites and Specimens is now dead in the Florida legislature. Treasure Hunting legend Pat Clyne said in a statement on facebook today that Senator Hays had a conference call this afternoon with the Historic Shipwreck Salvage Policy Council, and that “The Senator acknowledged the mass mailings, and said he was grateful that he heard from so many of us and that he would drop not only the bill but he would like to come down to Key West for a meeting with our group so that the next time we will be included in any legislation that concerns our interest”. Pat also invited the Senator to come dive with him on the Atocha shipwreck in Key West.

The Historic Shipwreck Policy Council is a part of Professional Marine Explorers Society, and is set up specifically to deal with political issues such as this one that affect Professional Shipwreck Salvage. Other members of the council involved in today’s conference call with Senator Hays were Taffi Fisher Abt, of the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society, Archaeologist Jim Sinclair, Capt Gary Randolf and John Browning

It was just six days ago that many Treasure Hunters and Metal Detectorist across the sunshine state had first learned of legislation moving its way through the Florida State legislature that would effectively ban treasure hunting and metal detecting in the state.

At the time it seemed like a lost cause to try to mount a counter offensive. In November of 2011, Senate Bill 868, and House Bill 591 were both filed in the State legislature, and on February 16th, of this year the House bill, titled Archeological Sites and Specimens, passed the house with a vote of 118 to 0. Meanwhile over in the Senate, the Bill was going before its last committee for a vote on the very day that most in the treasure hunting and metal detecting were hearing about the legislation for the first time.

Word quickly spread throughout the community via websites like TreasureWorks.com, and all over Social Media websites like facebook. The loosely knit group of Professional Treasure Hunters and Metal Detecting Enthusiast came together and joined forces to fight the legislation.

Information such as phone numbers, email addresses, web page links of key players from Florida Governor Scott, too members of the State House and Senate quickly spread like wild fire across the internet. A letter writing campaign was quickly launched via email and posting on websites. While posting to the Florida Governors facebook page were taken down as fast as people posted them. However, people persisted and continued to post to his page. Of course as soon as the public heard that the posts were being taken down, even more people attacked the page in opposition to the Bills.

The next attack by the Treasure Hunters and Metal Detectorist came in the form of letters to the editors of everyone’s local news outlets expressing opposition to the Bills, and spreading awareness to the general population that these Bills were also an assault on personal property rights of everyone in Florida.

I would like to personally thank Pat Clyne and all the members of the Historic Shipwreck Policy Council for the hard work they put into successfully defeating this legislation. Equally important to the defeat of this Bill, I would like to thank each of the individuals who took the time and interest to stand up for your rights as responsible Treasure Hunters and Metal detectorist, and now political activist.

Job well done!

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'American Diggers' look for slavery artifacts in Aiken area; show airs tonight on Spike TV

Treasure

Wednesday, 16 May 2012 10:37

Treasure seeker: Ric Savage looks for buried treasure across America on the Spike TV show “American Diggers.”

By CHRIS WALSH - Staff writer - email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

"American Diggers" is a show about looking for buried treasure across America.

Tonight at 10 p.m., see what was found in Aiken when the show visited to search for an episode titled, "Unearthing Controversy."

The subject matter was a bit touchy for local residents when host - and former professional wrestler - Ric Savage asked to search in their backyards. The dig team was looking for slavery artifacts.

"It's a taboo subject," Savage said. "To me, the historical value of the show, that's the most important part.

"I don't think that many people understand the details of slavery, the little details like the fact that they wore tags. Even though it's a dark part of our history, it's something people should know."

Read more: 'American Diggers' look for slavery artifacts in Aiken area; show airs tonight on Spike TV

An ancient ship’s SOS

Archaeological

Thursday, 10 May 2012 09:10

By Simon Bahceli

One day about 2,300 years ago, not long after the death of Alexander the Great, a small merchant ship stacked with wine and almond-filled amphoras sailed past the port of Kyrenia on Cyprus’ northern coast. On board were four sailors about whom we know little, except that they had lowered their sail, possibly in anticipation of an approaching storm. We do not know whether the boat intended to arrive at Kyrenia, or if it was leaving. Maybe it was simply passing by; but what we do know is that it sank 30 metres down to the bottom of the Mediterranean sea where it remained for 23 centuries until found by a modern-day Cypriot out diving for sponges.

Since its excavation from the seabed between 1968 and 69, the Kyrenia Shipwreck, as it came to be known, and its cargo of over 400 amphoras, has resided in Kyrenia Castle. Despite its being one of the world’s finest and best-preserved examples of classical naval architecture and the cargo a unique source of information on trade in the classical era, the wreck and its associated relics today face permanent damage from neglect and decay.

“The problem we’re now encountering in this room [where the wreck is housed] is that this is not a museum,” says Dr Matthew Harpster, head of the Kyrenia Shipwreck Collection Restoration Programme, a body that seeks to “protect and revitalise” the collection.

“Originally this was a crusader castle,” says Harpster, pointing to damp patches on the walls and cracks in the 400-year-old roof above.

Read more: An ancient ship’s SOS

A Guide to the Cost of Living in Belize

Travel

Sunday, 04 March 2012 21:14

by Suzan Haskins

People are like shoes. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and styles. And one size never fits all.

The more research I do about living, working, retiring, and doing business overseas…the more apparent it becomes that this is not a “one size fits all” idea. Everyone has different dreams, perceptions, and lifestyle requirements.

Like the comment I saw from an IL reader: “I was looking to move to Belize and everyone I spoke to said you CAN NOT live there for less than 5k a month unless you live in a shack…even a modest house cost over 100k USD. So why is it posted you can live comfortably for under $2,500 per month?”

Hmmm…how to respond to that, I wondered—especially not knowing this guy personally. What kind of “shoes” will fit and make him comfortable?

(And hopefully he realizes that the exchange rate for the Belize dollar to the U.S. dollar is fixed 2:1. A beer priced at $4 in Belize will cost you US$2.)

Cost of living predictions can be difficult to put an exact number to. For some people, my “comfortable lifestyle” may be poorhouse living. It may be over-the-top lavish to others.

Can you apply a one-size fits-all cost of living to the States? If you live in San Francisco or Miami, would you assume your monthly costs to be the same as those who live in Des Moines or Chattanooga? Who spends more to maintain his lifestyle—the guy who prefers beer and hotdogs…or the champagne and caviar aficionado? If you’re a woman, do you wear Manolo Blahniks or flip flops from Target?

You can see where this is going. So let’s talk specifically about the cost of living in Belize. The rules are the same as anywhere else—it depends where you choose to live, what your requirements are, and more.

If you rent, you’ll have a monthly rent payment. If you buy a home, you won’t have that cost—but you may have maintenance or homeowners fees. Is it just you or do you have a partner? Do you go out on the town a lot? Will you need a car? Do you take medications? Do you have a computer and need full-time Internet access or just occasionally use an Internet café? What about health insurance?

Get out a piece of paper and write it all down…

Here are the big-ticket items you need to include: Rent, utilities, food, transportation, health care, entertainment, communications.

And don’t forget that you’ll need to buy personal items and clothes once in a while (although not too many…Belize may be the most casual destination of all. A swimsuit is about all you need). And yes, perhaps you’ll want to go back home once or twice a year to visit the kids—but chance are, if you’re living in Belize, they’d rather come see you.

Now, let’s assign the values. I was in Belize recently, and I collected these average numbers (in U.S. dollars) from expats who live in Belize:

Rent: $700
Electricity: $100
Gas: $25
Water: $25
Cable TV: $25
Telephone: $80
Internet: $80
Groceries: $300
Entertainment: $200
Miscellaneous: $200
TOTAL: $1,735

If you have a car—which you may not need, depending where you live—add $300 for gas and maintenance every month. Belize is a small country and you won’t go far, but gas is expensive (more so than in the U.S.).

Only you know what your health care costs are. Add that in, too. Now we’re getting close to $2,500/month. But if you plan to buy a house, subtract the $700 rent. Add in a little more for entertainment if you like to go out more than once or twice a week.

If you want to treat yourself and hire someone to clean your home or swimming pool, this won’t add much to your bottom line—the going rate in Belize for household help is $2-$3/hour. Even once a week, who doesn’t want this?

Are you starting to see what I mean when I say one size doesn’t fit all?

Remember that just as at home, there are places to live in Belize that are cheaper than others. If you live on an island where everything must be imported, you’ll pay extra for that. Many people believe the island lifestyle is more than worth the small extra cost.

Where are the best places in Belize to live if you’re on a budget—but where you can still walk the beach every day or pick oranges, lemons and limes for trees in your own backyard…without giving up your comfortable, modern amenities? There are a couple of places where expats tell me they get by on about $1,200/month.

I’ll reveal those places at International Living’s Ultimate Event. You can tune in to everything we discuss—including Belize—via this link.

Courtesy International Living

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War declared on Metal Detecting / Treasure Hunting

Wreckdiver's Blog

Tuesday, 28 February 2012 21:57

By Tommy Vawter

Most of you have heard about the State of Florida DHR (Division of Historical Resources), and have read my article Florida’s War on Treasure Hunters. I hope that many of you have taken the opportunity to read the legislation that is making its way through both houses of the state legislature up in Tallahassee.

About a half hour ago while I was reviewing my notes in preparation for writing this article on how those of us in the treasure hunting community can fight back and protect our rights, and as it would seem as if on cue, I received the following email from the AIA (Archaeological Institute of America).

Dear AIA members,

The AIA has learned of two new TV shows that promote treasure hunting to find archaeological objects. National Geographic's "Diggers" airs tonight and Spike TV's "American Diggers" will air next month. Both shows feature metal detectorists and at least one ("American Diggers") emphasizes the commercial value of the found objects. The AIA believes that these shows promote the looting and destruction of archaeological sites.

The AIA has joined several other groups including the SAA, SHA, and RPA in voicing concern about these programs and the negative messages they send about cultural heritage and its recovery. Links to copies of the SAA and SHA letters can be found at the bottom of this letter.

We would like to ask you, our members and archaeology enthusiasts, to send letters and/or e-mails to the companies involved asking them to alter the message of the shows and to provide disclaimers during the airing of the show that makes it clear that what the shows are promoting is unethical and in some instances may even be illegal. We hope that they will engage in a meaningful dialogue with archaeologists about the illicit practices they promote.

Read more: War declared on Metal Detecting / Treasure Hunting

Tool maker hits States with metal detecting kit

Treasure

Tuesday, 15 May 2012 09:24

A metal detecting enthusiast who started making digging tools in his garden shed to help him find buried treasure has had his first bulk order from the United States.

UK - Arthur Cole, aged 65, from Rowley Regis, used to run his own tool making business, but when orders dried up in 1980  he turned to metal detecting to fill his time.

He now has famous customers on his books, including Rolling Stone Bill Wyman and his tools regularly appear in the hands of archaeologist’s on Time Team.

It was while out in the frosty fields of Shropshire where he and his fellow treasure hunters were trying to break through solid ground that he decided to develop a tool to make their lives easier. That tool is now set to go global.

Mr Cole from Buckingham Road developed the tool affectionately known as ‘number 1’ in 1982.

Since then he has developed eight trowels that cut through frozen ground, sift through sand  and cut through roots.

Read more: Tool maker hits States with metal detecting kit

Wreck reveals its bounty

Archaeological

Sunday, 22 April 2012 14:23

There were no great dramas when the coastal trader the Clarence was wrecked off St Leonards in Port Phillip Bay in 1850. No storm-tossed seas, no cries for help, no loss of life. In fact, the crew and all 132 of the passengers — all sheep — got ashore safely with the help of locals, who then decided to keep the animals.

At the time, it may have seemed an insignificant shipwreck in a new British colony, but today the Clarence is rated as the earliest and best-preserved example of an Australian-built trading vessel yet located in Victoria.

One of Australia's largest underwater research projects started this week when a team of 60 scientists, students and volunteers began a month-long study of the Clarence's remains.

With a $500,000 grant from the Australian Research Council, those involved in the three-year project will examine the hull of the 67-tonne, 15-metre wooden ship and the objects found aboard it.

Monash University marine archaeologist Mark Staniforth says the research is intended to develop a "sophisticated protocol" for rapid excavation, detailed recording and reburial of significant shipwrecks that are at risk — "and to foster a strategic national approach for shipwreck management".

"The project will also expand our knowledge about early colonial shipbuilding practices," Associate Professor Staniforth says. One of three chief investigators on the project, he is also a leading specialist in colonial shipbuilding and maritime excavations.

Read more: Wreck reveals its bounty