Chesapeake bay shipwrecks and buried treasure are an enduring lure for shipwreck hunters and recreational divers alike. These storied time capsules lurk under its turbid waters. Over two thousand have been identified. Many others may be hiding in obscurity. All divers want to experience the heady feeling of discovery for themselves.
For centuries, this potential graveyard for ships had a reputation as a hazardous crossing. Experienced seafarers were well aware its shallow waters made locating shoals and discerning its bottom surroundings a difficult task. A map sanctioned by National Geographic has accumulated cartographic detail of more than 2,400 wrecks. The Shipwrecks of Delmarva is a stunning map. It contains useful information providing name, class and historical details. This map symbolically illuminates lurking risks beneath its calm surface. Among the many causes that sunk these ships are shoals, war, weather, pirates, mutiny, and other reasons capable of harming vessels.
Many vessels from Spain met their untimely end in this watery graveyard. In the 16th century, Spanish ships operated a brisk trade in search of silver and gold before their discovery in Mexico. The MidAtlantic also served as trade route for Spanish ships. Some never reached home. Treasure seekers have found some remnants of their cargo on shore. Indian River Inlet beaches have gained a reputation as coin laden beaches for this reason.
Over time, many shipwreck artifacts have made their sites famous. But others are still unidentified. Contemporary technological methods are bringing new discoveries to the surface. Side scan sonar is an example of advanced techniques used to locate sites. Marine archaeologists and other shipwreck hunters have more effective tools today to detect potential locations.
The bay is the biggest estuary in North American. It is a partially open water body with an open connection to the ocean. About 200 miles long, it stretches from Susquehanna River to the Atlantic Ocean. It is surrounded by the states of Maryland and Virginia. The creeks, streams, rivers, the land surrounding them, and the estuary compose its drainage area. Its three biggest tributaries are the Susquehanna River and the Potomac and James Rivers. There are 419 tributaries in the complete watershed area, which covers 64,299 square miles. This drainage basin extends from District of Columbia to parts of Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware and New York.
It was created over 10,000 years ago when melting glaciers flooded the Susquehanna River Valley. Native American tribes lived along its shores and gave the waterway its Algonquin label. Chesepiook, stood for its meaning of great shellfish bay. This signified an abundance of clams, crabs and oysters. The first English settlement in Maryland was established here. European colonial powers have left their marks underwater.
Interested divers must possess SCUBA certification. They must research located wrecks in this area. Numerous public sources of information are available. The area ranges from Susquehanna to Virginia Beach. Books, maps and the internet are useful sources for their coordinates and history. Fees, rules and regulations may vary by state. Divers should pick sites suitable to their ability. Vessel depth locations extend from over 60 feet to over 100 feet deep.
The diving period for Chesapeake bay shipwrecks starts in Spring. It is open through October. Dive shops and charter boats provide helpful support. Some dive shop operators deliver rented scuba tanks to boat docks. Prices vary for charter boat seats.
For centuries, this potential graveyard for ships had a reputation as a hazardous crossing. Experienced seafarers were well aware its shallow waters made locating shoals and discerning its bottom surroundings a difficult task. A map sanctioned by National Geographic has accumulated cartographic detail of more than 2,400 wrecks. The Shipwrecks of Delmarva is a stunning map. It contains useful information providing name, class and historical details. This map symbolically illuminates lurking risks beneath its calm surface. Among the many causes that sunk these ships are shoals, war, weather, pirates, mutiny, and other reasons capable of harming vessels.
Many vessels from Spain met their untimely end in this watery graveyard. In the 16th century, Spanish ships operated a brisk trade in search of silver and gold before their discovery in Mexico. The MidAtlantic also served as trade route for Spanish ships. Some never reached home. Treasure seekers have found some remnants of their cargo on shore. Indian River Inlet beaches have gained a reputation as coin laden beaches for this reason.
Over time, many shipwreck artifacts have made their sites famous. But others are still unidentified. Contemporary technological methods are bringing new discoveries to the surface. Side scan sonar is an example of advanced techniques used to locate sites. Marine archaeologists and other shipwreck hunters have more effective tools today to detect potential locations.
The bay is the biggest estuary in North American. It is a partially open water body with an open connection to the ocean. About 200 miles long, it stretches from Susquehanna River to the Atlantic Ocean. It is surrounded by the states of Maryland and Virginia. The creeks, streams, rivers, the land surrounding them, and the estuary compose its drainage area. Its three biggest tributaries are the Susquehanna River and the Potomac and James Rivers. There are 419 tributaries in the complete watershed area, which covers 64,299 square miles. This drainage basin extends from District of Columbia to parts of Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware and New York.
It was created over 10,000 years ago when melting glaciers flooded the Susquehanna River Valley. Native American tribes lived along its shores and gave the waterway its Algonquin label. Chesepiook, stood for its meaning of great shellfish bay. This signified an abundance of clams, crabs and oysters. The first English settlement in Maryland was established here. European colonial powers have left their marks underwater.
Interested divers must possess SCUBA certification. They must research located wrecks in this area. Numerous public sources of information are available. The area ranges from Susquehanna to Virginia Beach. Books, maps and the internet are useful sources for their coordinates and history. Fees, rules and regulations may vary by state. Divers should pick sites suitable to their ability. Vessel depth locations extend from over 60 feet to over 100 feet deep.
The diving period for Chesapeake bay shipwrecks starts in Spring. It is open through October. Dive shops and charter boats provide helpful support. Some dive shop operators deliver rented scuba tanks to boat docks. Prices vary for charter boat seats.
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