The wreck of the 1838 steamer 'Pulaski' found? - video

Divers exploring North Carolina’s coastal waters say they may have found the wreck of the 1838 steamer “Pulaski”. The luxury vessel sank as a result of an explosion during a voyage from Savannah to Baltimore, when representatives of the richest and most influential families of the southeastern US were on board.

During a dive in a location about 40 Mm offshore, 14 gold and 26 silver coins were found. The find is most likely a fraction of the treasure carried by a steamer in June 1838.

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Among the numismatic items found is a rare British coin valued at $100,000, while other gold coins in the collection are valued at between $10,000 and $12,000. Archaeologist James Sinclair believes that the find is important evidence that the search team has come to the right place.

[blockquote style=”2″]”The coins found are an important clue, in the context of the search for the Pulaski wreck. They confirm the information we had previously.”[/blockquote]

The searchers are relying mainly on the testimony of one particular passenger. Charles Ridge survived the sinking of the steamer, but lost all his possessions. Nearly $20,000 carried in the form of… gold coins. Could it be that one of the most valuable cargoes that went down off the coast of North Carolina has been found?

[blockquote style=”2″]”The coins found are obviously not Ridge’s fortune, that one would take up a whole big trunk. However, I can assure everyone that we are on the right track and will definitely find what we are looking for.” – said Keith Webb of Blue Water Ventures[/blockquote].

Another fact connected with Charles Ridge is also interesting. The newly bankrupt and castaway drifted for four days in the company of a rich heiress, helping her to support herself on the remains of a wooden piece of furniture. During this time the couple bonded so strongly that they became married afterwards.

In the tragic sinking of the vessel christened in honor of the great Polish and American hero Kazimierz Pulaski, nearly half of the 200 passengers died, including New York State Congressman William B. Rochester. The sinking of the steamer is considered one of the greatest maritime disasters in US history.

The search for the wreck of the steamer “Pulaski” is being conducted by two listed companies, Blue Water Ventures International and Endurance Exploration Group, with the aim of finding valuables carried on board the vessel, by its prominent passengers.

Source: charlotteobserver.com