...Tom
Gidus is currently exploring several shipwreck sites in Palm Beach County,
FL.
...Tom
Gidus is currently exploring several shipwreck sites in Palm Beach County,
FL.
...During
the spring and early summer of 2008, Tom Gidus worked as chief diver and
mag tech for Florida Research & Recovery Group, Inc., based out of
Port Canaveral. (www.floridarrg.com) Seven miles off the Cape Fear, NC.
coast, Tom and diver Jason Turbeville discovered a virgin, composite hulled
shipwreck, estimated by archaeologist Rob Westrick to date to the early
to mid 1800's. Tom reports that several dozen interesting artifacts were
brought to the surface and are in the conservation process. The wreck was
covered back up until a time in which it can be properly archaeologically
salvaged . (see the news story here) Just 3 days
after the discovery, the crew was caught in a severe squall and their salvage
vessel, the Damit Janet, ended up hard aground on a shoal for 10 hours.
The storm, one of the worst in recent history, resulted in several sinkings,
groundings and 2 deaths.
...Wreckovery
Salvage has again teamed up with Aquatic
Research & Recovery Group (ARRG) for 2009. This collaboration
has brought together a dynamic group of talented and experienced individuals
in the areas of remote sensing, shipwreck and aircraft recovery, marine
archaeology, underwater photography & videography and maritime research.
We have several very exciting and promising projects now in the planning
stages.
We have already secured a subcontract with the Mel Fisher Center to salvage the 1715 fleet wrecks. New mapping techniques have allowed us to identify previously unsearched areas of two major wrecksites. This will be our major project during the spring and summer months. However, we also have shipwreck projects being developed in North and South Carolina.
..
Another
potential project for 2009 is the continued investigation of Historical
Research & Development's (HRD) exploration area off Vero Beach. This
wrecksite has enticingly given up clues over the past few years as to the
final resting spot of what we suspect is an 18th century shipwreck. Wreckovery
Salvage has been working in unison with HRD since 1996. Newly uncovered
historical documentation as well as recent artifact discoveries in the
water and on the adjacent beach are helping to pinpoint the primary cultural
deposit. Due to the number of hurricanes that hit the Treasure Coast
the last several years, we have had few days to actually work. With these
storms stirring up the seafloor and moving things around, Wreckovery Salvage
and HRD are anticipating a very exciting and profitable year as we continue
to follow the debris trail.
.
...Our
Henrietta Marie, Slave Ship museum display at the Orlando Public Library
is always a big hit during February's Black History Month. The collection
of authentic and replica artifacts and educational posters is gaining in
popularity each year and we have been invited back for a 2 month exhibit
in 2008. Sara B. Goff, Community Relations Director at the library
writes: "Thanks for sharing your Henrietta Marie exhibit with the library.
Quite a few patrons and staff members showed interest in the artifacts
and information. There was even a write up in the East Orange Times newspaper
(Wed, 2/9/05) about your exhibit !!"
...A
recently filmed documentary about HRD Inc and their fascinating discoveries
off Vero Beach has completed post production and we are looking for a suitable
venue to air the show. Interviews with Robert Westrick, Ernie Kling, Mo
Molinar and Tom Gidus were conducted. Mike Olafson of Vintage
Adventure is producing and directing the segment, called Gold, Gallons
and Ghosts: Diving For Spanish Treasure.
They that go
down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
these see
the works of the Lord and his wonders in the deep.
Psalms 107:
23-24
