shipwrecks

A shipwreck is the remains of a vessel that has been destroyed, sunk, or stranded. Wrecks may lie on the seabed, in rivers, or along coastlines, and commonly include the hull, fittings, cargo, and personal effects left behind.

Causes of shipwrecks range from sudden storms, collisions, and reef strikes to piracy, warfare, fires, and structural failure. Human error and mechanical problems can also lead to loss at sea, sometimes with lasting implications for navigation and commerce.

Maritime archaeology studies shipwrecks to understand past seafaring, trade networks, and engineering. Investigations use surveys, sonar mapping, photogrammetry, and artifact analysis to date wrecks and reconstruct voyages, technologies, and cultural interactions.

Legal and ethical frameworks aim to protect underwater cultural heritage and regulate salvage, excavation, and access to wreck sites. Laws vary by country, but many jurisdictions restrict commercial salvage and require permits and documentation for research or recovery.

Preservation of wrecks is influenced by water temperature, salinity, depth, and oxygen levels. Cold, low-oxygen waters can slow decay, while corrosion and biofouling slowly degrade materials. Wrecks often function as artificial reefs, supporting diverse marine ecosystems.

Notable shipwrecks include the RMS Titanic, the 17th-century Vasa, and the Mary Rose, each offering unique insights into their era’s technology, economy, and daily life.

Because wrecks can pose hazards to navigation and become targets for looting, they are frequently protected as cultural resources or designated underwater heritage sites.