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Wreckovery Salvage was established in 1992 by Tom Gidus, for the  purpose of searching out historic shipwrecks and recovering their cargo and remains before they are lost forever, ravaged by centuries under the sea.The corrosive effects of saltwater, toredo worms, high energy coastal environments, hurricanes, dredging, beach replenishment projects, fishing trawlers and modern day pirates all contribute to the destruction of these aquatic time capsules.
click the picture for Tom's resume

In our ocean recovery operations we employ archaeological methods approved by the State of Florida, Bureau of Archaeological Research, Division of Historical Resources. In addition to the strict guidelines mandated to us by the state, we contract the services of a registered professional marine archaeologist on all of our projects.

The rescued artifacts and the information we gather from them is used to educate the public about Florida maritime history. Twenty percent of our recoveries are donated to the people of the State of Florida each year and are currently on display in museums in Sebastian and Tallahassee. We also make our personal collection of shipwreck artifacts and treasure available to the public via an educational seminar program and library displays.

In addition to search and recovery operations and educational presentations, Wreckovery Salvage also conducts maritime historical research, maintains an extensive Florida shipwreck database and preserves relics and artifacts. At our conservation laboratory in Orlando we meticulously research, record and restore everything from cannon balls to cob coins to K'ang Hsi china.

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