Summary of Underwater Archaeological Finds In the North Shore Zone Of the Dominican Republic August, 2010 By Alejandro Selmi, Director of Archaeology
Deep Blue Marine, Inc.
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
Report of Archaeological Deposits Situated in the North Shore Zone of the Dominican Republic After countless hours of systematic search and underwater exploration with divers and sophisticated tracking equipment, including magnetometers and side-scan sonar, Deep Blue Marine is pleased to present this initial report regarding the varied underwater archaeological deposits we have identified in the area assigned to our company under contract with the Secretary of Culture and approved by the Office of Underwater National Heritage of the Dominican Republic. These surveys were conducted within the coastal limits assigned to Deep Blue Marine between Cape Frances Viejo and Cape Macoris. Within the confines of this vast area, we have so far been able to locate 12 potential sites of incalculable historical value. To begin with, we would like to reiterate our gratitude to the Office of Underwater National Heritage for having confided in, and relied upon, Deep Blue Marine for this important mission of evaluating, recording, and redefining the potential history of the numerous shipwrecks that occurred in this section of the North Shore of the Dominican Republic since the beginning of the conquest of America. Relying on our professional expertise, and with the help of fisherman from some of the coastal towns, we have been able to locate and rediscover many shipwrecks that have been overlooked for years. As a result of this new contract, an abundance of cultural riches that have lain untouched at the bottom of the ocean will soon be recovered using responsible scientific procedures as each case merits. To give you a better idea of the discoveries we have made, we are including a list of the wrecks we have identified and their geographic locations. Additionally, we include a map of each individual wreck site with a description of the site and pictures of artifacts we have identified. The descriptions will help the reader understand the different conditions for each location within the North Shore zone. Additionally, at the end of the report, we have included a map of the North Shore area showing the location of each wreck in relation to the others. We wanted to create a synthesis of the geography of the North Shore between Cape Francis Viejo and Rio San Juan. This area is made up of many reefs and cliffs, where for years fragile vessels were subjected to the dangers that make up this rough coast. For their time, the wooden boats that plied these waters appeared strong and invincible with their impressive cargo capacity, grand crews, and protective cannon armaments. It is ironic that many of them ended up being tossed about like insignificant walnut shells, destroying themselves against the intimidating outcroppings and crags that were found at water level. It is probable that with the limited maneuverability of these boats in the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries, many captains helplessly witnessed the demise of their vessels as they were slammed mercilessly by hurricanes against the rocks without being able to do anything to avoid the certain tragedy that would ultimately scatter wood, cargo and dead bodies onto the beaches. By way of example we note the ship Marques de Gallifette, that was uncovered by us between the crags and rocks around Playa Grande. (You will find further description of this wreck in the following pages.) The type of work we did (and will continue to do) on this site is beyond the typical procedures on a standard site where the artifacts may have lain stable for centuries. In the case of the Margues de Gallifette, as well as many of the other wrecks that you find in this area, the artifacts have been so scattered by the tides and by the storms that there is no clear cut and easily definable debris field. We, therefore, will proceed with a “disassociated� sectional study to map the area and recover as much as possible from the wreck. We anticipate that the information we obtain will indicate that there was massive movement of the artifacts since the time the ship went down. 1 CONFIDENTIAL
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
Inventory of Underwater Archaeological Deposits located in the North Shore Zone of the Dominican Republic between Cape Francis and Cape Macoris August, 2010 This reference list of centuries-old shipwrecks on the North Shore is the result of surveys conducted by Deep Blue Marine coupled with local knowledge of artifact sites that have been randomly looted over the years. The preliminary study, which we have recently completed, opens the door to performing systematic excavations with scientific methodology for each geographic site listed. In order to avoid the illicit extraction of cultural treasures and the loss of historic information from these sites, it is important to keep the location of these sites from being publicly disclosed. Additionally, it is critical that we continue to be meticulous in completing the surveys and recovering these culturally significant artifacts and treasures in accordance with the strict archaeological guidelines that we adhere to. We want to complete this work before the sites become the target of random divers who may have an interest in “pirating” these sites.
1 – Las Botellas (The Bottles) Shipwreck (Possible 18th century shipwreck)
2 – La Roca
(Undetermined date and origin. More research needed.)
3 – Playa Preciosa.
(Mid 16th century Spanish ship)
4 – Los Coquitos
(Possibly a 18th century vessel)
5 – Playa Grande
(Likely a 18th century French ship)
6 – Marques de Gallifette
(18th century French ship)
7 – Tutinferno
(More research needed to identify age and origin)
8 – Playa de los Muertos
(More research needed to identify age and origin)
9 – Río San Juan
(Likely late 16th century or early 17th century)
10 – Cabarete
(Between the 16th and 18th centuries)
11 – Policia
(Likely 18th century)
12 – Punta Goleta
(Likely 17th century) 2 CONFIDENTIAL
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
Inventory of artifacts discovered in the North Shore area: In the following pages we list the inventory of the underwater artifacts that we have identified so far at the sites previously listed. We will begin on the east side of the area at Cape Frances and proceed westward to Cape Macoris.
1 – Las Botellas (The Bottles) Shipwreck In this location, which has a strong reef break most of the year, we have found a number of artifacts (mostly fragments of glass bottles) that date to the 18th century. We have also been able to identify a ballast pile, a stone grinding wheel, an anchor, and part of a rudder that suggest this may have been a smaller vessel. The aerial photo below gives you an indication of the geography of this rocky point. Las Botellas Shipwreck
t urren ne C i r a M
The artifacts were found at this point
We have been able to approximate the age of this vessel by studying the artifact fragments we have recovered. Specifically, we have recovered a bottle neck and a fragment of a grey earthenware mug that match known specimens. On the following page we show comparative photos of the bottle neck found on site and of the earthenware fragment.
3 CONFIDENTIAL
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
A group of English bottles made between 1745 and 1765. Note the similarity of form with the bottle neck found on this site.
Bottle fragment found on the “Las Botellas” site.
Grey earthenware fragment found on the “Las Botellas” site.
Westerwald earthenware mug with blue trim. This type of earthenware began to be made in Germany in the 18th century in the city of Raeren. The fragment and cup date between 1728 and 1750, which matches the timeframe of the bottles on this site. 4 CONFIDENTIAL
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
In the picture on the left you can see a section of the anchor found on this site. The broken stem suggests that the anchor snapped under the stress of attempting to hold the vessel in place during a violent storm.
In the photo to the right we see a diver raising one of the arms of the upper section of the rudder.
In this last photo we see the circular stone grinding wheel. Conclusions from the “Las Botellas” Wreck: After several dives in the place christened with the name “The Shipwreck of the Bottles” it is fair to say that its cultural and historical value cannot be overlooked. Thanks to the artifacts we have recovered and identified, we can say with certainty that this ship went down in the mid 1700s. It should be noted that the conditions on this site allow for a good diving environment only on calm days. By using the “triangulation” method, we will generate a site plan that should give very accurate information about the location and movement of these artifacts. As is often the case, we know that the debris field from the wreck extends far from the spot where the vessel originally went down. With hard work and the luck of having calm working days, we will add to the existing knowledge of this wreck regarding its commercial purpose, its port of departure, and its intended destination. It is well known that countless commercial vessels from many nations have plied these waters since the time of Columbus. It will be interesting for us to find out additional information about this boat, which at this point certainly seems to be a commercial vessel. Because of the physical challenges on this site, we believe it will take a minimum of two to three years to complete a full recovery. It should be noted that because of the unpredictable weather and water conditions on the north shore of the Dominican Republic for half of the year, there are really only six months of diving time (mid-April through mid-October) in each 12 month period. We make mention of this to put in perspective the two to three years just mentioned. If we were able to work year-round the recovery on this site would take about a year and a half. 5 CONFIDENTIAL
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
2 – Restos de la Roca (The Remainder of the Rock) On this site we have found a number of 15x25 centimeter ballast rocks, many with nails encrusted to them in a conglomerate. We have also found an iron block measuring 33x18x20 centimeters in the coral. The ocean floor in this area is covered with sand punctuated by smooth coral and rock. The tests we have conducted so far show this stratum of coral to be hollow and cavernous. As a result, the artifacts here are embedded in and encrusted to the coral. It is difficult for us to say much with certainty about this wreck at this time, but we are convinced that there are additional artifacts here. Based on the position of this site and its proximity to the “Bottles” wreck, we speculate that this may be a part of the same wreck. At this point, we can’t confirm or deny this speculation. We are looking forward to additional study to analyze this and other questions regarding this site. The area where we found ballast stones, silver coins, stone cannonballs, and ceramic fragments.
Restos de la Roca
One of the items of relevance on this site is the block of iron that, at first glance, seems to have little significance since the transport of iron in the 17th and 18th centuries was common, it being a primary material of industry in those days. When we were scanning this site with the magnetometer we detected several magnetic anomalies that suggested concentrations of ferrous materials. There are no visible remnants of the ship itself, but, because of the contours of this reef area, the remains could be below the ocean floor and would need to be excavated. We anticipate that we may find significant artifacts as we go deeper into the ocean floor. It is impossible for us to state the archaeological significance of this site until additional study, exploration, and careful excavating are done to find out what is buried below the sand and coral reef. At that time we will obtain the precise information we are seeking. We suggest that this survey and recovery be included in the Phase B portion of our contract with the secretary of culture.
6 CONFIDENTIAL
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
3 – Playa Preciosa (Precious Beach) Playa Preciosa is found to the east of Playa Grande and is separated by a small rock outcropping that interrupts the flow of the constant eastern current. This small outcropping is called “los coquitos” since it is covered with a large quantity of coconut palms. On the east side of Playa Preciosa we have found the remains of a ship that we believe went down in the 16th century. We have located a ballast pile in the area of the reef, as well as a small corroded falcon-type cannon made of foundry iron. The history of this wreck is not totally clear at this point, but its location has been a well kept secret amongst the local fishermen who for years have occasionally recovered anchors, cannons, coins, and ceramic pieces. After numerous inquiries among the local population we have found that this site has been the source of countless illegal artifact sales here and in the neighboring town of Rio San Juan. We don’t consider ourselves to be the discoverers of this site, but rather the re-discoverers of what is potentially a very historic shipwreck. So far, by simply moving the sand between the coral and rock fissures, we have found silver coins, silver discs with imprinted seals, an indigenous stone figurine, and other artifacts such as stone cannon balls and small iron balls covered with lead. Additionally, we have found a 5-link iron chain, encrusted with dead coral, that was used to support the boat rigging. At this point we know for sure that this ship went down in the middle of the 16th century or perhaps in the early 17th century. Everything we have recovered in this area was done under the authorization of the National Office of the Ministry of Underwater Culture.
Playa Preciosa.
Cannon
Area where we found the ballast stones.
Areas where we found silver coins, stone cannonballs, and ceramic fragments.
7 CONFIDENTIAL
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
We have made numerous passes with the magnetometer and metal detectors on this site and have had several hits in the sand and reef areas marked in the photo on the previous page. It appears that there may be artifacts hidden deep in the cracks, and we expect to have positive results in the near future with our methodical and systematic excavation methods. After 400 plus years, the metal and stone artifacts have undoubtedly settled deep into the sand and coral. In this picture, you see a group of coins found in a fissure in the reef. These coins may have been displaced by forceful swells on the site during hurricane season. Front Back
A carved stone figurine of preColumbian design that was found while clearing sand away near the beach. This is just one of several artifacts found at Playa Preciosa that appear to be of Mexican origin. We should note that similar artifacts have been pilfered for years from this same beach by local fishermen. It is impossible to estimate the total number of artifacts that may have been taken, or the valuable history that has been lost.
8 CONFIDENTIAL
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
These ballast stones were found near the breakers produced by the coral that rises up to within three feet of the surface. This suggests that the vessel may have run into the reef which broke open the hull allowing the ballast stones to spill out. We can’t yet determine with certainty the direction the craft was sailing when it crashed, since the remnants don’t give a clear indication of such. At this point, there are no wooden portions of the boat remaining, which would have helped with this determination.
Here is a shot of the cannon we found near the ballast stones and which is an important part of the artifacts that make up the Preciosa site. As you can see from this photograph, most of the artifacts blend in and are almost completely integrated into the marine landscape. It takes a trained eye to be able to differentiate between the natural elements and the remaining artifacts.
Body of the Cannon
Mouth of the Cannon
Another little treasure is the lead cannon balls that match the falcon-type cannon we found on this site. The local fishermen claim that at least four cannons and a large anchor were already removed from the Play Preciosa site. CONCLUSION: We believe we are on a shipwreck which represents a significant underwater archaeological deposit dating to the 16th century. We can’t say with certainty which part of the century, but we speculate that it dates to the mid to late part of the 1500s. Over the years this site has weathered many storms and hurricanes, therefore it is unlikely that we will find any of the wood from the ship. That being said, it is possible that we may find a section of the hull if it was protected by being buried in the sand and
9 CONFIDENTIAL
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
reef. The artifacts that have washed up on the beach over the years are undoubtedly a result of great storms or hurricanes that frequently pass through this area. While the prevailing winds in this area typically blow from east to west, hurricane winds are quite the opposite and blow from west to east. The position of the ballast stones and the artifacts on this site suggest that the ship blew in from west to east, as would happen in a hurricane. We know the sand between the reefs on this site is very deep. We expect to find well-preserved artifacts and coins as we go deeper and deeper. The deep sand may have helped keep the artifacts safe and may have also prevented looting by the local fishermen who wouldn’t have had the capability to explore any deeper than into the first few inches of the sand. We should note that it is remotely possible that, because of its importance, the bulk of the ship’s cargo may have been found and recovered in the months and years after the disaster. Our findings so far indicate that a recovery probably did not occur. Until we conduct further professional excavation with systematic scientific methodologies, we cannot offer further speculation. Our best guess is that it will take at least eighteen months, and perhaps as long as three years, of intensive work to fully recover all of the artifacts associated with this shipwreck.
Anticipated Weeks of Good Weather Per Month
4.5 4 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0
January February March April May June July August September October November December
North Shore Weather
This chart indicates the weeks of calm seas each month that allow us the possibility of working in the North Shore zone. Our optimal window is from April through September, with marginal opportunities in March and October. We feel very fortunate if we are able to get in the water for one or two weeks the other four months of the year. It is important to try to understand this situation in relation to upcoming contracts. The company subjects itself to great risk with regard to the weather. Periods of bad weather present a great loss of money, time, and opportunity which has a direct bearing on the bottom line. If you consider the 11 man crew and the expense of provisioning and outfitting the boat, the overall cost is around $36,000 (US) per month. The majority of these are fixed costs that the company incurs whether or not the boat is on site and working. When the weather is unfavorable you can see the affected loss. We share this information specifically for the benefit of the Ministry of Underwater Culture as they consider our entering into Phase B of the contract. 10 CONFIDENTIAL
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
4 – Los Coquitos As you recall from the Playa Preciosa description, there is a small cape just to the west, named Los Coquitos, that divides it from Playa Grande. On the eastern extension of this point we have found remnants of a vessel that is quite possibly from the 18th century. From what we have seen so far, we suspect that this was a large ship. Over the years, in this very spot, local fishermen have pulled up iron carpenter’s tools, muskets, cannon balls, cannons, and anchors. With our survey equipment we have been able to pick up evidence of significant masses of iron under the sand. It appears to us that the ship’s point of impact was at the north east corner of the point and that the debris field extends both directions along the coast from that point. Part of the rigging was found at the point of the cape, and then on the west, toward Playa Grande, we have seen pulleys and other wooden remnants. We should also note that fishermen have found several coins on the west side of the cape in some of the large rocks. Unfortunately, the conditions on the east side of the cape aren’t as favorable as on the west. The visibility is very limited on this side due to a stream that flows into the ocean here depositing a lot of silt and mud. In spite of the silty conditions, which make photography very difficult, we have been able to identify some of the structural elements of the ship. With our metal detectors we have been able to detect rows of nails in the woodwork. It is clear to us that we need to take a closer look at the Los Coquitos site as there are undoubtedly some significant artifacts here yet to be discovered.
Los Coquitos Shipwreck
Movement of the artifacts
11 CONFIDENTIAL
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
Possible point of impact.
5 – Playa Grande Another well-known (and frequently plundered) area on the north shore is the Playa Grande site. Here, in water less than 8 feet deep, you can see an organized arrangement of cannons and cannonballs lying in rows on the white sandy bottom. As confirmed by written French accounts, these would have been retired cannons that were placed in the hold as ballast. The dimensions, design, and characteristics of these cannons confirm that this is indeed a French ship from the 18th century. For example, the cannon balls are all marked with a fleur de lis. For years the local fishermen have recovered bronze sword hilts and other “French” artifacts from the beach and the shallow waters of this bay. For the majority of the year the artifacts are not visible, but there is a time each year when the deposits remain exposed by the movement of the currents. When this happens, not only do you see massive pieces of artillery, but also part of the wood such as the keel and the interior planking of the boat. With the aid of the magnetometer we have been able to locate another five potential artifact sites to the north and the east of the cannons and at a somewhat greater depth. Based on the physical evidence, we believe that the captain of the ship tried to save his vessel by running it aground on the beach. That is why the ballast cannons, which would have been held in the belly of the ship, are located so close to the shore. We plan to conduct an extensive survey and thorough exploration of the entire beach and deeper areas that have been indicated by the magnetometer as holding concentrations of material evidence. In the photograph below you can clearly see the distribution of artifacts as described. It is quite possible that the sites marked are from more than one single shipwreck. (continued on next page)
Playa Grande Shipwreck Magnetometer hits
Los Coquitos Debris field
Cannon Area
12 CONFIDENTIAL
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
The above photos exemplify the richness of the historic artifacts that are found at the Playa Grande site. We have heard that because these cannons present themselves so beautifully where they sit that there has been talk of making the site an underwater archaeological park. Through careful study, this site will yield much information regarding the facts of what took place at Playa Grande. CONCLUSION: We can be sure that this shipwreck is of incalculable historic value. We have reason to believe that this ship was one of the fifteen French boats that sank on the north coast between Puerto Plata and Cape Francis in the year 1778. We don’t actually have much information on the precise location, but we know the ships were lost between these points in a strong storm. We suspect there may be a link, but it is too early to say whether or not the remains found at the Marques do Gallifete site and the Los Coquitos site are related, even though the dates and other information we have compiled suggest it may be so. For years, all three of these wrecks have been plundered non-stop by the local fishermen who have found willing buyers for their spoils. It will take a lot more survey and excavation work before we are able to answer the specific questions regarding this wreck. To try to put a timeframe to this project is like trying to count raindrops. We know we need to start with the survey of the site, then the excavation can begin. Since we have a number of wrecks within close proximity on the north shore we can maybe combine our work and tackle more than one at a time. Weather is always an issue, but if we look at this from a practical standpoint it is possible to work for 4 weeks at a time on this site. We don’t want to continue to have this site exposed to robbers and vandals in times of good weather. That is when we want to be on site doing our work to discourage the looters.
13 CONFIDENTIAL
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
6 – Marques de Gallifette In Santo Domingo there is a museum that was built in honor of Christopher Columbus on the 500th anniversary of his arrival in Hispaniola. In the museum is a ship’s bell with the inscription “Marques de Gallifette” and bearing the date 1770. The bell was recovered 20 years ago at this north shore site, and since that time no one has returned to do any recovery, largely due to the danger of the conditions here. Knowing a bit of the history, we were inspired to have a look at the site for ourselves. No one, other than the local fishermen, had really spent any time on this site since Burt Webber pulled up the bell twenty years ago, and we wanted to be able to confirm that there were indeed remnants of a ship there. We can now verify that at the base of a cliff below the Playa Grande golf course lie the remains of an 18th century French ship. Once you have seen the massive rocks at the base of the cliffs you will understand how a ship could be mercilessly ripped apart and completely destroyed if thrown against this shore in a violent storm. The ship and cargo would have been and broken up and the crew would have been annihilated, since the only escape was the steep rock cliffs which would have meant certain death in a storm. Trying to recover this ship’s cargo still presents a number of challenges. First, the cargo would be broken up and scattered over a wide area due to the violent action of the seas against the cliffs. Secondly, diving in this area is only safe on the few days that the seas are calm. Therefore, this site will be worked in a somewhat different manner than most of the other sites we have identified. Although we will have to be patient, it will be worth it, as we believe this site has a lot to offer. With the use of fixed point triangulation we can develop a site plan that will show the disposition of the artifacts and remains of the vessel itself. When the weather and water conditions allow, we will dive and gather all the information we can to help piece together this ship’s puzzle. Marques de Gallifette Shipwreck
Magnetometer activity
Area of shipwreck evidence. Note the waves breaking against the cliffs
14 CONFIDENTIAL
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
In the photo on the right you can see the cliffs and rocks which would have destroyed the Marques de Gallifette. This photo was taken on a day when the sea was very calm. The arrow indicates the underwater location of the remains of this 18th century ship. The broken ceramic pieces we have found demonstrate the violent nature of the impact against the rocks.
The photo on the left shows a grill from the kitchen. We have outlined it for clarification. By taking measurements and comparing it to known samples, we can research and find out details about where and how it was made. Even though the grill in in very poor condition, and most of the iron has rusted away, the surrounding concretion has preserved its form.
The photo on the right shows two ceramic fragments that were found embedded in the dead coral. The thicker fragment is part of the large “officer’s” water jug since it is glazed both outside and inside. The smaller fragment is part of a serving dish for the officers or the captain. The location of these artifacts suggests this was the stern of the ship where the officer’s quarters and helm were located.
15 CONFIDENTIAL
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
To the right we see a diver near a large anchor that is completely covered in coral that also helps anchor it firmly to the rocks. From what we have been able to discern, it is probable that the captain frantically dropped the emergency anchor (that is normally stored in the hold) in the vain hope of keeping his ship from hitting the rocks. At this same location we found a large quantity of bricks from the ovens in the kitchen. This shipwreck was one of our primary motivating factors for seeking a contract on the north shore. We have had many questions about where this boat sailed from, what it’s commercial purpose was, and what port it was heading for. The little information we have found in our research indicates that this ship set sail for the last time from Africa, heading for Santo Domingo transporting a cargo of slaves. We hope to be able to solve this mystery and find out how and why it ended up at Playa Grande. CONCLUSION: We believe that this archaeological site is one of the most important on the north shore. During our surveying, exploration, and gathering of data we have felt something special here. We have to say that we are saddened to know how horrible the final moments of this ship’s, and its passenger’s, existence must have been, but we are enthused at the prospect of the stories that will come out of our retrieval of numerous artifacts. It is almost as if the ship is trying to tell us something and we’re anxious to hear it. When we first dove on this site we had the attitude that there wouldn’t really be much to see here. We knew the boat was completely destroyed and that most of the artifacts were broken and scattered. Day by day as the ocean allowed us to explore the labyrinth of rocks, it became clear to us that there was much here that had been well preserved, just waiting to be discovered. We knew it had been 20 years since the bell had been discovered and we didn’t give the site the priority we maybe should have due to the difficulty of access. Now we see that this site is very important and needs to be explored methodically. There will not be many calm days, but we need to make the most of them and unveil the secrets held below. We anticipate that the full excavation of this site will take many years, but the good thing is that the artifacts and cultural riches are stable and will wait patiently for us. We will take our time and relish the information that we gather on each dive. 16 CONFIDENTIAL
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
7 – Tutinferno This is another site where cannons and anchors have already been found and removed by some of the local fishermen. Ballast stones here are abundant and have accumulated in the hollows that exist on the ocean floor, which consists of a solid base that has been created by the coral over the years. We fully expect that below this cap of coral we will find the rest of the wreckage, since we currently see nails sticking up through this false ocean floor. The wave action in this area is very strong and there is a lot of risk in working at these shallow depths. We believe that the deeper we go, the more evidence we’ll find. The coral encrusted cannons on the ocean floor are barely discernable. We have seen some pieces of clay brick and small ceramic shards, but they are too small to analyze accurately, having been worn and eroded over the years by the constant wave action. This archaeological site is like most others on the north shore in that you have to wait for good conditions in order to dive here. It appears that about 80% of the underwater artifacts here are in tight spots and will be very difficult to excavate. This is why we need to proceed with an attitude of patience and safety, taking our time and doing a professional job with precision rather than speed. The financial investment will be great because you can’t count on working every day here. Each of the artifacts is in fact a time capsule and we hope to discover new secrets with each one we recover, no matter how long it takes. At this site, we hope that with a deep and systematic investigation, using all of the latest technologies, we will be able to fully explore and date the impact area and any of the riches it allows us to recover.
Tutinferno Shipwreck
The red dots represent the areas where we have identified artifacts from this wreck.
17 CONFIDENTIAL
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
8 – Playa de los Muertos This shipwreck occurred very close to the town of Rio San Juan. Here, not far from the shore, and almost in front of Laguna de Grigri, lay the remains of a ship that is difficult to assign a date to because its remains are comingled with debris and artifacts from one or more other wrecks. In speaking with the local townspeople we discovered that a number of cannons, anchors, and artifacts such as ceramic jars have been retrieved from this site and sold to interested parties. We observed a large algae bed growing on the ocean surface in this area and decided to take some readings under it. We discovered wood extending from the ocean floor and found a lot of encrusted nails that would have held the planks in place. A lot of this is found in water only 6 feet deep. We intend to do a more extensive survey in an adjacent area that is a bit deeper where we have also found ballast stones, red clay oven bricks and pieces of red ceramic jars. We feel that we ought to start our search out in the deeper water to see if these remains we’re finding were pushed in to shallow water by the waves, and if the greater concentration is still out in the depths. The draft of these old ships was typically around 18 to 20 feet, and we think that perhaps two ships broke their hulls on the boulders that were a bit deeper. These barrier boulders or “high deeps” make shore access impossible in this area. If you refer to the picture below you can see the reef out a way from the shore. That is where the ships would have run into trouble initially and they may have slowly proceeded toward the shore as they took on water and eventually sank. Again, we feel that this is a significant site worthy of our time and efforts.
Playa de los Muertos Shipwreck
The red dots indicate the areas where we have found evidence of artifacts or parts of the ship.
18 CONFIDENTIAL
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
9 – The Anchors of Río San Juan Just as we arrived at the dock in Rio San Juan, the navy, under orders from the Underwater Culture Ministry, was confiscating an anchor that a local fisherman had pulled up from this site. While curious fishermen often pull up artifacts, it is illegal for them to do so. We asked around and found the approximate location where the anchor was found and proceeded to dive the area to see if there was anything else there. On our first dives, we could clearly see where the anchor had previously lain, as the imprint was still visible in the coral. We knew we were in the right area, and extended our search from that spot, since you typically find a shipwreck close to where you find an anchor. Finally, with the help of our magnetometer, we were able to detect another identical anchor that was completely buried in the sand. We also had a number of additional hits with the mag, indicating that there are other metal objects buried on this site. We didn’t have time to explore any further, but we hope to come back soon to take additional readings to help us identify what might be hidden on this site. Based on what we know about these anchors, we suspect that this wreck might be a ship dating to the end of the 17th century or the beginning of the 18th century. Picture of the anchor found by a local fisherman. It was subsequently siezed by the Navy under orders from Underwater Culture The Anchors of Río San Juan
Anchor locations
Picture of one of the anchors.
19 CONFIDENTIAL
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
10 – Cabarete The Cabarete site is an interesting one. Here we found two large anchors, a smaller anchor, and three medium sized cannons. We are sure that this wreck occurred when waves pushed the ship into a small coral ridge which would have cracked the hull structure. We imagine that in an attempt to clear the reef, the captain ordered the ship to be lightened by dropping the anchors and anything else of significant weight. Based on what we know now about the size of the reef, this would have had little effect, as the ship was already doomed. Diving to a depth of about 40 feet on the south side of the reef we found a large anchor at the 30 foot level. This indicated to us that the ship broke up and turned over, since at the 40 foot floor level we found an engraved bronze candelabra lying fully exposed. We have tried to return to this site a number of times, but the conditions haven’t allowed us to dive again. When it rains in this area, a river drains muddy water to the site reducing visibility. The reef and wave action seem to have helped preserve this site and we are looking forward to getting back in the water. Based on what we have seen so far, we believe this wreck dates to the end of the 17th century or the beginning of the 18th century. We want to be able to conduct a systematic excavation of the site and to develop a historic site plan. This archaeological site potentially has incalculable historic value since it appears to be stable and undisturbed. Because of the muddy water from the nearby river, the artifacts should be well preserved. The excavation of this site will be limited to the springtime when there is no rain to cloud the visibility. We believe it will take at least three years to complete the study and excavation of this site due to the fact that we are limited to about 6 months of good visibility each year.
Cabarete Shipwreck
The red dots indicate where the cannons and anchors were found
The yellow dot marks the location where the candelabra was found, as indicated in this drawing.
20 CONFIDENTIAL
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
Cannons, anchors and ceramic fragments have been found on the Cabarete site. This wreck has been well preserved and will warrant a full archaeological study with the goal of recovering many historical artifacts. From what we have seen so far, we believe this to be a shipwreck from the end of the 17th century.
To the right we see the bronze candelabra recovered from this site.
CONCLUSION from the Cabarete Shipwreck: On the Cabarete section of coastline we have identified parts of two other shipwrecks besides the one identified in this overview. We believe that the site identified above is the most important, so it will get most of our attention. We want to start an organized study as soon as possible due to the distinct possibility of this site being plundered if the word of its existence starts being spread around. We heard of a specific case close by where a foreigner, with the help of the local fishermen, brought up a great number of artifacts and treasures from a site that had been identified as having archaeological significance. Our presence in this area gives the locals a sense of uneasiness and it has slowed down the illegal extractions that have provided them sustenance over a number of years. For this reason we feel it very important to work closely with government authorities to make sure the cultural heritage of the Dominican nation is preserved. 21 CONFIDENTIAL
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
11 – Policia As this wreck is also found on Cabarete beach, we wanted to give it a new name to differentiate it from the previously described wreck. We have therefore named it the “Policia” shipwreck because it is found just off shore in front of the regional police station. We really haven’t found many significant artifacts in this area, but we see indications of one or more shipwrecks from the 18th century. Specifically, we have found bronze nails and copper sheeting that were used to strengthen the ship’s hulls in this time period. This particular site is quite close to the beach in shallow waters and it is probable that it may have been plundered, even though the regional police keep a close eye out for this type of illegal activity and typically question any suspicious vessels in the area. The ocean floor here is made up of coralized rock, the majority of which is dead. The relentless pounding of the waves here must have pushed a lot of the artifacts away from the original wreck site and toward the beach, so it would be difficult to determine the direction and orientation of the original shipwreck. We will need to spend a lot of time here with the magnetometer and metal detectors to find whatever is left. So far, we have determined that there is a lot of copper and bronze within the cracks of the coral, but we haven’t had the time to identify their specifics. Another complication that we should note is that this beach is quite well known for its surfing competitions that make access to this area a bit tricky at certain times of the year. We will just have to take advantage of the time we have when the water conditions are favorable for diving and not for surfing. Any suggestion as to what ship this is would be pure speculation at this time. We feel a sense of urgency to get on this site and recover as much as we are able to before it is further decimated by looters who will illegally take all they can get their hands on. Policía Shipwreck
A piece of copper sheeting on one of the rocks that make up the ocean floor.
One of the nails we found on the ocean floor.
22 CONFIDENTIAL
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
12 – Punta Goleta Many cannons and old deteriorating anchors exist in the Cabarete zone including this point that is known as Punta Goleta. Here we have observed a number of ancient cannons and anchors strewn over the ocean floor. Due to the strong wave action that limited the time we were able to spend on this site, we didn’t venture a guess as to the age of these artifacts. On the other hand, the wave action was very favorable for the surfers and they were having a great time. We believe that the heavier artifacts from this shipwreck will be found close to the original wreck site, but the lighter objects may have been moved in a south-east direction toward the beach. At this point it’s just a guess since we didn’t spend much time surveying here. Having not found any artifacts such as ceramics or everyday objects, we can’t date this ship. Due to the position of the anchors and cannons, we believe this ship must have impacted the reef and been destroyed by the waves. As we watched the tremendous wave action here, we could only imagine what it might have been like in a violent storm or hurricane. Another indicator of the age of this ship is the cannons and anchors. They lead us to believe that this is truly an ancient shipwreck. They are firmly embedded and integrated into the ocean floor to the point of being almost imperceptible in some places. This makes us think that they have been sitting there for a very long time. This location should be studied to obtain a precise date and to evaluate the potential of the surrounding area.
Note the size of the cannon compared to the diver.
One of the anchors. 23 CONFIDENTIAL
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
24 CONFIDENTIAL
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
12. Punta Goleta
10. Cabarete
11. La Policía
5. Playa Grande
8. Playa Los Muertos
9. Río San Juan
7. Tutinferno
6. Marques de Gallifette
LAYOUT OF THE INDIVIDUAL SHIPWRECKS IN OUR CONTRACT AREA AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010
1. Las Botellas
2. La Roca
3. Playa Preciosa
4. Los Coquitos
In conclusion, we would like to thank the Secretary of Culture and the National Office of Underwater Heritage of the Dominican Republic for the confidence that has been placed in Deep Blue Marine, Inc. in granting us the contract to survey and explore the North Coast area between Old Cape Frances and Cape Macoris. To date, we have been able to identify and begin to inventory 12 different underwater archaeological sites. As we all know, the Dominican Republic is the cradle of modern American civilization, as this is where the struggle for the conquest of America began. Because of this fact, the Dominican coasts are full of the remains of countless ancient ships that tried to open new navigational routes but never arrived at their destination. Our mission is to locate and recover as much history as possible in order to be able to tell the story of what really happened. With the submission of this report, we complete Phase One of our contract with the Secretary of Culture and the National Office of Underwater Cultural Heritage. As we conclude our preliminary survey and exploration we are ready to begin the next phase, which is one of excavation and archaeological extraction of artifacts. We wish to close this report noting that we are dedicated to preserving the underwater heritage of the Dominican Republic. To that end, we have built a Maritime Archaeological Museum in the town of Samana, the first of many we hope to build, both here and in other countries around the world. Our charge is to reach out to national and international populations with insights into the naval history of centuries past. The more we know about their accomplishments, the more we will appreciate what they contributed to what we have today. We also want to remind you that it is no secret that we are a commercial company, and as such, we have the financial capacity to work on projects year-round. We can begin or terminate any project as needed, especially when it is necessary to take steps to stop illegal activity that may be taking place on one of our dive sites. Deep Blue’s professional staff and fleet of fully outfitted dive vessels allow us to work on multiple projects simultaneously and to work under varying conditions. We want to reiterate that we are able to work multiple sites at the same time, which will help control the illegal loss of artifacts by local scavengers. We are now at your complete disposal and we anticipate receiving our addendum and approval for Phase B of the contract already in your possession. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or comments on this report. Alejandro Selmi Director of Archaeology Deep Blue Marine, Inc. September 2010
25 CONFIDENTIAL
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com