UPDATE: New reports confirm that the depths of the Chesapeake Bay are teeming with secrets, housing approximately 8,000 shipwrecks and tales of lost treasures. While legends of pirate gold and ghostly shipwrecks abound, the real stories beneath the surface are capturing the attention of divers and archaeologists alike.
For centuries, the Bay has been a compelling storyteller, with whispers of Captain Kidd hiding treasure at Port Deposit and eerie sounds reported by fishermen at Point Lookout. However, it is the ongoing exploration of these sunken vessels that reveals the bay’s rich maritime history. As the state’s leading underwater archaeologist, Susan Langley, reflects, “Every shipwreck tells its own amazing story.”
Experts estimate that the Bay spans 4,080 square miles and serves as a graveyard for countless ships that fell victim to storms, collisions, and even deliberate scuttles. From the 17th century to the present day, the wrecks include everything from schooners to battleships.
Among these, the story of the Herbert D. Maxwell, a four-masted cargo schooner that sank on March 16, 1912, stands out. The vessel was rammed by the steel-hulled SS Gloucester, sinking in 70 feet of water near Kent Island. Remarkably, this shipwreck lay undiscovered for about 60 years until divers stumbled upon it, leading to a greater understanding of the Bay’s maritime past.
As efforts to protect these underwater sites grow, the Maryland Maritime Archaeology Program (MMAP) continues to lead initiatives to survey and preserve these historical remnants. Formed in 1988, the MMAP collaborates with various organizations to ensure that the treasures beneath the bay are safeguarded for future generations.
Langley, who recently retired after 31 years with MMAP, emphasizes the significance of these shipwrecks: “A shipwreck is a time capsule from the moment it sank.” Her successor, Troy Nowak, aims to continue this mission of exploration and preservation.
One of the most notable shipwrecks, the USS Tulip, serves as a somber reminder of the perils faced by mariners during the Civil War. In a tragic accident on November 11, 1864, the gunboat sank, claiming 49 lives. To this day, the site remains a war grave, underscoring the grave responsibilities of underwater archaeologists to protect these sacred spaces.
The exploration of the Bay has also led to significant legislative changes aimed at protecting submerged historical sites. The passing of the Abandoned Shipwreck Act of 1987 and the Sunken Military Craft Act of 2004 has made it illegal to disturb these underwater treasures, enforcing regulations against unauthorized salvage operations.
Divers like Don Shomette are passionate about these discoveries. He believes that the number of shipwrecks in the Bay could be close to 8,000. Among these, the Ghost Fleet, a collection of wooden steamships from World War I, and the U-1105, a Nazi U-boat scuttled after the war, are notable for their historical significance and potential for public exploration.
As the interest in underwater archaeology grows, the Chesapeake Bay continues to reveal its mysteries, drawing divers, historians, and treasure hunters eager to uncover its hidden stories. Each dive into the Bay not only uncovers physical artifacts but also connects us to the rich tapestry of maritime history that defines this region.
Stay tuned for further updates on the ongoing exploration efforts and the fascinating discoveries that await beneath the surface of the Chesapeake Bay.
