shipwreck

A shipwreck is the remains of a vessel that has been wrecked, sunk, or destroyed, usually as a result of perils at sea, collisions, storms, warfare, or structural failure. The term applies to ships that lie on the seabed, in shallow coastal waters, or along shorelines, and to ships that are partially preserved above water after running aground or being beached. Wrecks can range from intact hulls to scattered debris and may continue to drift, settle, or collapse over time. They are of interest to historians, archaeologists, divers, and treasure hunters, and many wrecks serve as silent records of maritime technology, trade, and daily life.

Causes of shipwreck include severe weather, navigational error, collision with other vessels or submerged objects, running aground on reefs or shoals, fires, and damage from combat or piracy. The fate of a ship after wreck often depends on depth, currents, and the material of construction; deeper wrecks may remain relatively intact, while shallow sites erode or disintegrate rapidly. Wreck sites also function as habitats, contributing to marine biodiversity and sometimes becoming artificial reefs.

Protection and research: Shipwrecks are often protected as underwater cultural heritage. International and national laws regulate salvage, ownership, and archaeological excavation; the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage is a key framework in many jurisdictions. Modern study uses remote sensing, sonar mapping, underwater robotics, and careful excavation, with attention to conservation, legal constraints, and ethical considerations, to recover information while preserving the site for future generations.