Anchor retrieved from flagship of pirate legend

Scientists have brought an anchor to the surface from the shipwreck of Captain Blackbeard’s ship found off the coast of North Carolina. The artefact, weighing 1500kg, was lifted on Friday 27 May. As they say, the vessel still hides many treasures and many mysteries.

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The mythical pirate, known to many from books and adventure films, was in fact named Edward Teach. Born in Britain, he terrorised the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, from coast to coast.

Captain Blackbeard’s infamous flagship, the Queens Anne’s Revenge, was found in 1996, but only now have efforts to save the remains of the vessel intensified.

According to state authorities, members of the expedition managed to lift one of the three anchors found on the wreck from the bottom. The diving team worked at a depth of 20m, which is favourable for such a task. The photos show how the find was brought out on deck with the help of an advanced crane, in a precisely planned action.

Covered in rust, coral and other sediment, the anchor, about 3m long, has seen the light of day again after almost 300 years.

“It’s a really historic moment and a fantastic feeling,” says one of the explorers.

Research expeditions such as this are intended to make people aware of the need to protect such objects. It’s part of history and must be protected, we can’t afford for it to disappear in the depths forever. Now that the anchor is on the surface, the research and conservation work is expected to take 4 years.

The wreck of the ship, a notorious pirate, hides many more things worthy of attention. According to an article published by the Smithsonian Research Institute, on board the Queens Anne’s Revenge, there were 225,000 rounds of ammunition and 25 guns.

As for Captain Blackbeard, while sailing on another ship, the Adventure, in November 1718 he engaged in battle with the British fleet, ending his pirate career and his life.

Source: aftonbladet.se